Question
Does it matter where I cut it?
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Followup To

Question -
Hi,
I have a tall cactus (about 5 feet) that looks like this:  long arms with three sides (triangle if cut at a bi-section).  there are short spines on the edges of each side.  then there are leaves that grow along these edges.  If I break off a leaf, there is a white sticky substance that oozes out.   

SO, my question is, what kind of cactus is it?  and if i wanted to cut it down into two smaller plants, how should i go about doing that?  thanks!

Beth

Answer -
Dear Beth,

You actually don't have a cactus at all, it is a Euphorbia. Euphorbia's are the equivelent of a cactus, except that they native to Africa rather than the Americas. With one exception, cacti are exclusive to north & south America.

You can take a cutting, just make sure not to get the sap on you and make sure you take the cutting in a non-woody part of the plant. In most Euphorbias the sap is an irritant and in some cases it is poisonous. Just make sure the cutting is allowed to dry for at least a couple of weeks before replanting. Hope this helps!

Sincerely,

Greg

Answer
Dear Beth,

Just make sure it's in a non-woody part of the plant. If it is all green and no brown areas, that is a good spot. Also, you can break off smaller branches (at least 6" long) to plant. If the branch is as tall as the rest of the plant, the point where is comes out of the main stem will be too woody to root. It also seems to help if the cut is made at an angle. Only water when the soil is dry and be patient as it may take a couple of months to root. Goos luck!

Sincerely,

Greg