Can it be rescued?

[Jim_Mercer]

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?

Fairly healthy top

Corky appearance has been at base for a few years

All hard and dry

[Phil_SK]

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

[AnTTun]

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.

[Jim_Mercer]

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.

[Phil_SK]

not sure if I should leave it dry or give it a bit of water

Having successfully coped with spreading rot, a bit of water won't be a problem.

[rodsmith]

Cat litter with an occasional light dampening seems to work for me, as does a very open cactus mix.

[Keith H]

Looking good Jim, I have my fingers crossed for the old Astro's recovery.

[Liz M]

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.

[Jim_Mercer]

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]

It looks promising Jim.