Question
I have a small, indoor prickly pear that has one set of paddles one one side that are taller than the other side. This is causing the plant to tip over and I want to know if I can remove the two newest paddles on the taller side, which grew just this past month, and have them survive if I re-pot them and if so, what steps do I need to take. This cactus has bloomed every late winter/eary spring for the past 3 years and I'd hate to lose it.

Answer
Dear Dean,

You can remove and replant them, just wait until they are bigger around than a silver dollar (in diameter). If they are too small when you remove them, they probably won't root. And you can simply snap them off, just make sure to wear gloves when you do it. Good luck!

Sincerely,

Greg