Cutting Help

I was thinking of asking for some cuttings of columnar cacti in my local area, (mainly trichocereus) and I was just wondering what I should do to actually take the cuttings.

What should I cut the cactus with? Do I need to apply anything to the open wound on the original plant? Could I accidentally kill the main plant by taking a cutting? Do I need to apply anything to the cutting base before allowing tocallus?

Thanks, sorry for all the questions

I use a fishing fillet knife as it is sharp try to make cut at a join or at the smallest area. And you can dust the cut with sulphate on the original plant and use rooting powder on the cut though it is not necessary. Leave cuttings for around a month then just rest onto coarse river sand to root down. Hope this helps and good luck.

Use a sharp, clean knife. With tricho's you can cut almost anywhere and it will root fine. I leave my cuttings sit for a week or two. That's all they need to callus if the weathers hot and dry. The only problem I have had in the past is a bit of mold will grow on the cut, on the main plant if it gets rained on. When this happens I usually just re-cut it when the weather drys out. I don't think it will kill the plant, it just looks bad.

Thanks for your help, I will give it a go

Is a product called wettable Sulphur suitable to use?

http://www.manutec.com.au/default.asp?pageid=5&template=PRODUCTCAT&catid=28&catalogue=6&prodid=MTO0557

yeah its pretty good but be careful it can burn your plants. I gave my whole collection a dose with it. They all handled it well except for my frailea castanea. I think it got roasted.

I use david grays powdered sulphur. Bunnings should have it if not try your local nursery.

Depending on the size of the Trcho you may need a saw to get through the woody core, I just use a small hand saw designed for accurate cutting of timber. I sterilise the blade with methylated spirits and let dry for a few seconds cut and leave in an open area in the shade away from any moisture or high humidity. After 3-4 days you can store it in a box (no light) or root them using your favourite method.