Help she is in a new pot new soil and has now been watere...
3
@HeadJicaro73 Welcome to the Greg community! The best course of action is to propagate the cactus. To propagate a prickly pear cactus, the easiest method is by taking cuttings (pads) and allowing them to callous over before planting in well-draining soil, or by propagating from seeds after cold-stratification. Pad Propagation (Cuttings):
Gather your materials:
You'll need a healthy prickly pear cactus pad (or multiple), tongs or gloves (for handling spines), a pot with drainage holes, and well-draining cactus or succulent soil.
Take the cutting:
Gently remove a pad from the parent plant, ensuring it's healthy and not damaged. Allow the cutting to callous:
Place the cut pad in a dry, shaded area for a few days to a week, allowing the cut edges to dry and form a callus (a protective layer). Plant the cutting:
Fill the pot with gritty cactus or succulent soil.
Place the calloused pad in the soil, either upright or horizontally (depending on desired growth pattern).
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, especially in the initial stages. I usually add a bit of rooting hormone to the soil to encourage root growth. I also do not water the cactus right after planting but wait anywhere from 3-5 days. Then water and make sure the water drains out of the drainage hole. Ensure the plant receives ample sunlight and avoid overwatering. Happy Growing!
Gather your materials:
You'll need a healthy prickly pear cactus pad (or multiple), tongs or gloves (for handling spines), a pot with drainage holes, and well-draining cactus or succulent soil.
Take the cutting:
Gently remove a pad from the parent plant, ensuring it's healthy and not damaged. Allow the cutting to callous:
Place the cut pad in a dry, shaded area for a few days to a week, allowing the cut edges to dry and form a callus (a protective layer). Plant the cutting:
Fill the pot with gritty cactus or succulent soil.
Place the calloused pad in the soil, either upright or horizontally (depending on desired growth pattern).
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, especially in the initial stages. I usually add a bit of rooting hormone to the soil to encourage root growth. I also do not water the cactus right after planting but wait anywhere from 3-5 days. Then water and make sure the water drains out of the drainage hole. Ensure the plant receives ample sunlight and avoid overwatering. Happy Growing!
@Ms.Persnickety so I should try and propagate the middle pad there? Is the pad that is in the soil beyond saving at this point?
@HeadJicaro73 I’m afraid that the only viable part of the cactus is the green part.