Overgrown cactus in 12 inch pot needs trimming idea

[sash_007]

Hello friends,
I got a overgrown cactus in 12 in pot which tips over everytime strong wind blows ..
so i am planning to hard prune some side branches of the cactus in the marked areas..
will it be ok? without doing any harm to the plant

 

[Anniekay]

Put it in a bigger, taller pot with stones in the bottom to weigh it down. Your pot is just way too small. Use cactus soil and it will be fine. Cutting it up will just result in more growing from the places you cut off from it.

 

[cpp gardener]

And by removing the lower branches, rather than some of the top, you are creating a more top-heavy plant that is even more likely to blow over. I would use a wider but not necessarily deeper pot. That creates a better ‘anchor’.

 

[sash_007]

Put it in a bigger, taller pot with stones in the bottom to weigh it down. Your pot is just way too small. Use cactus soil and it will be fine. Cutting it up will just result in more growing from the places you cut off from it.

thank you but i am not looking to switch pot right now..there is no other way?

And by removing the lower branches, rather than some of the top, you are creating a more top-heavy plant that is even more likely to blow over. I would use a wider but not necessarily deeper pot. That creates a better ‘anchor’.

thank you but i am not looking to switch pot right now..so should i i trim upper branches?

 

[Anniekay]

thank you but i am not looking to switch pot right now..there is no other way?

thank you but i am not looking to switch pot right now..so should i i trim upper branches?

Then you can wedge it somewhere where it won't fall over.
It NEEDS a bigger pot, because you aren't allowing the root system to develop large enough to help anchor the plant.

 

[sash_007]

Then you can wedge it somewhere where it won't fall over.
It NEEDS a bigger pot, because you aren't allowing the root system to develop large enough to help anchor the plant.

thank you.. if i do repot what size pot wud you recommend? 15 in?

 

[cpp gardener]

I would suggest something like 18“ to 24”. It’s way underpotted now and could use a good-sized anchor to keep it standing.
As for shortening it, I would remove the top 12” down to a side branch and shorten the longer lower branches for ‘visual’ balance.

 

[sash_007]

I would suggest something like 18“ to 24”. It’s way underpotted now and could use a good-sized anchor to keep it standing.
As for shortening it, I would remove the top 12” down to a side branch and shorten the longer lower branches for ‘visual’ balance.

thank you

 

[Anniekay]

The reason I suggest a deeper pot is that if you fill it half deep with stones, the weight of the stones will keep the pot from blowing over.

 

[sash_007]

The reason I suggest a deeper pot is that if you fill it half deep with stones, the weight of the stones will keep the pot from blowing over.

thats true indeed but the plant is my dad's favorite i dont know somehow he is not agreeing to repot but i will try my best

 

[Ruderunner]

Judging from the photos, the pot might de-pot itself. Looks like chunks falling off already.

 

[sash_007]

Judging from the photos, the pot might de-pot itself. Looks like chunks falling off already.

aaha ok that broken pot chips is not from that pot but its used to support that pot balance

but as you said if indeed that happens i would be more than happy and my dad will have no other option but switch pots

 

[Anniekay]

aaha ok that broken pot chips is not from that pot but its used to support that pot balance

but as you said if indeed that happens i would be more than happy and my dad will have no other option but switch pots

You know, that pot could allways "accidentally" slip out of your hands and....

 

[sash_007]

You know, that pot could allways "accidentally" slip out of your hands and....

well that didnt happen in last 30years since it has been potted but who knows

 

[pepper2.0]

I don't know anything about cacti but that might be the coolest looking potted one I've ever seen.