Question
Hello, I have a cactus that belonged to my mother, it is about 20 plus years old. It is about 9 ft. tall.  It is slowly drying out from the base upward. When you tap on the bottom section it sounds hollow.  We transplanted it for the first time in 15 years, last summer.  It seemed fine. Throughout this whole month of December it has been turning brownish black from the bottom up.  The top half is still green and feels fine.  I just do not know what to do. Is there any way of repairing it or do I cut the top half and transplant it?  I am so sad, because it was my mom's... can you please help me with my cactus. I truly do not have a green thumb and can use any help you can give.

Sincerely,
Sheila

Answer
Sheila,

You'll have to take cuttings. Make sure to take them at least 3 to 4 inches above the where the discoloration is. Set them aside for at least 2 weeks. Before you replant the cuttings, get some small pots and some "cactus mix" potting soil. Plant the cuttings at least 3 inches deep and water. Only water again after the soil is dry.

If they root, and that can take a month or more this time of year, you should see new growth in a couple of months. You also might try some rooting hormone. It is a powder that you can sprinkle on the end of the cutting right after you make the cut (while it is still moist). That may increase your chances of the cuttings taking root. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg