Question
Hi Jeff,

I've read throught your answers on other cactus questions, and your advice is excellent!  I recently, moved and my cactus, which was probably long overdue for a repotting, suffered some shock.  In the move, I think the cactus was so top heavy, it pulled it's own roots out of the soil because I didn't provide adequate support for the top.  The cactus used to be very solid and had long stems that shot straight up and maybe curved a little at the top as it grew taller.  It has little leaves on either side of the stems.  Now the cactus is in the corner leaning against a wall or else it would fall over.  It's like all the stalks have lost their little spines.

If I repot it in the spring, do you think it will survive?  Any hope of it straightening out again?  Should I just try to take cuttings and create a new plant?  I don't want to lose this plant, and have never seen one quite like it.  Thanks for any advice you can give.

Neena

Answer
Dear Neena,

Thank you for your patience with my response.

It sounds like you may have a Euphorbia, which is a succulent plant but is not a cactus. The clue that it is a Euphorbia is the leaves that you mentioned.

It's really a matter of aesthetics as to whether you cut it or not. I think the curbving at the tops of the stems is likely due to insufficient light. Yes, if you repotted it in the spring I think it would survive, and, not only that, would be able to grow better if you're able to give it more light. You can trim the tops, if you wish, and start new plants with the cuttings.

Please let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know.

Regards,

Jeff