Help with my Astrophytum Capricorn

[Maria J]

I recently posted a load of pics of plants I got from a house move sale. The general consensus was to 'dip' all the plants before repotting. I am trying Ian's advice first with the dip being just detergent, hopefully it will be enough...

Anyway, I made a start yesterday (I wanted to be sure that I had enough of everything [pots, compost etc...] first!)

I had a bit of a shock when I removed this Astro from it's pot, as it has very little roots. Now I need advice please, is there enough root there to repot it or should I wait for more roots to grow before repotting it??
The plant is about 3.5 to 4" across.

Thanks!!

[Maria J]

Another view:
PS it is wet as I have just taken it out of the 'dip'.

[iann]

Looks like some roots are starting. I'd pot it an leave it dry. My soil mix is loose and roots usually grow well. After a month or so, you can give it a push and see if it is firm, then water. Or if you are curious, you can stand it in something loose and porous and see for yourself what sort of roots you have after a month.

[Maria J]

Mmmm, I rather like the curious approach!! If I stand it on a pot of perlite, would that be ok? Thanks Ian.

[Guest]

Maria,

It looks like it might have had a case of root mely bug, are they white bits wooly?

Don't worry about the lack of roots, let it dry and then put in a put 2/3 full of compost and then add gravel, make a depression in the gravel and put the plant in. I find this works as the plant can put rots easily through the gravel and it prevents rot setting in. You can also water as normal because the plant body is not touching the compost.

[Maria J]

Thanks Bob, the white bits seemed to be slightly powdery, but I have washed them all off now. I?ll keep an eye on it before potting it up to see if there are any signs of life (I?ve got meths ready just in case!!)