Question
Hi I just purchased a coral cactus and it came in a flower pot filled with hard rocks
Should I try to replant it or just leave it in there? The way the rocks are it seems like it would be difficult to get the coral cactus out.

Answer
Hi Tea,

It is hard to tell without a photo, but it is likely that what you have is a layer of pebbles glued together on the surface of the soil. It is there for decorative purposes, but makes proper watering difficult. If so, try to pry off this top layer with a knife.

Or it may be that the surface of the soil is top-dressed with a layer of larger stones. If so, remove these stones so you can see the soil below.

Once you have removed the surface stones or pebbles, it is best NOT to repot your Coral Cactus. This plant does best when its roots are left undisturbed. Moving it to a larger pot would be a big mistake because this plant must be kept in a small pot at all times to avoid root rot.

I have written an article on repotting that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to PlantCareExperts.com