This old Astrophytum was leaning over last year, while moving plants around to see what had suffered during the winter this plant fell over. Top still feels solid but base of plant obviously dead, could the plant be rescued by cutting away the dead material and getting the top to re-root or will I find the core is rotten when I cu away the dead bits?
Can it be rescued?
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- Jim_Mercer
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Re: Can it be rescued?
If the bottom is hard and dry I'd try to save it. Rather than cut it, I'd put my thumbnail into a rib just at the join between the alive and the dead and try to tear it apart. It might pull apart cleanly and may even be rooting from the clean flesh into the dead bit. You might get something like the Lobivia I showed in viewtopic.php?f=1&t=161929&p=228868
Phil Crewe, BCSS 38143. Mostly S. American cacti, esp. Lobivia, Sulcorebutia and little Opuntia
Re: Can it be rescued?
I agree with Phil. Just keep on mind Jim that old(er) plants root harder, so it might take more than 'just a while'. I have one rather young astro sitting rootless for more than a year... But I never stop hoping.
TTcacti - C&S database software - http://www.ttimpact.hr/anttun/
- Jim_Mercer
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Re: Can it be rescued?
Finally found dome time to operate on my plant - had to organise move of lean-to greenhouse to make room for building works.
No obvious split between dead and live parts of plant body
Decided to saw off lower dead part Centre seemed solid but some cracks appeared with possible roots just visible
Carefully extending the crack trying to avoid damaging the roots revealed a large cavity The inside of the cavity was hard and dry and is over 1 inch deep
I think the next step is to place the plant on top of some Tesco cat litter, not sure if I should leave it dry or give it a bit of water to encourage the roots to develop.
No obvious split between dead and live parts of plant body
Decided to saw off lower dead part Centre seemed solid but some cracks appeared with possible roots just visible
Carefully extending the crack trying to avoid damaging the roots revealed a large cavity The inside of the cavity was hard and dry and is over 1 inch deep
I think the next step is to place the plant on top of some Tesco cat litter, not sure if I should leave it dry or give it a bit of water to encourage the roots to develop.
- Phil_SK
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Re: Can it be rescued?
Having successfully coped with spreading rot, a bit of water won't be a problem.Jim_Mercer wrote:not sure if I should leave it dry or give it a bit of water
Phil Crewe, BCSS 38143. Mostly S. American cacti, esp. Lobivia, Sulcorebutia and little Opuntia
- rodsmith
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Re: Can it be rescued?
Cat litter with an occasional light dampening seems to work for me, as does a very open cactus mix.
Rod Smith
Growing a mixed collection of cacti & other succulents; mainly smaller species with a current emphasis on lithops & conophytum.
Growing a mixed collection of cacti & other succulents; mainly smaller species with a current emphasis on lithops & conophytum.
- Keith H
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Re: Can it be rescued?
Looking good Jim, I have my fingers crossed for the old Astro's recovery.
Regards Keith.
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Re: Can it be rescued?
Absolutely riveting stuff. Please, keep us updated. It looks as though there is a good possibility of success and it would be just great to have it grow its roots.
Obsessive Crassulaceae lover, especially Aeoniums but also grow, Aloes, Agaves, Haworthias and a select number of Cacti.
- Jim_Mercer
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Re: Can it be rescued?
Plant is now balanced on two pots, outer 2¾ inch pot just has a bit of grit in the bottom to hold inner 6cm pot filled with mix of Tesco cat litter and poultry grit (with oyster shell). I have tried to get the inner pot close to the roots and hope the roots will now grow down into the mix which will have a little water held in the cat litter.
- rodsmith
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Re: Can it be rescued?
It looks promising Jim.
Rod Smith
Growing a mixed collection of cacti & other succulents; mainly smaller species with a current emphasis on lithops & conophytum.
Growing a mixed collection of cacti & other succulents; mainly smaller species with a current emphasis on lithops & conophytum.