My 10' Cathedral Cactus (Euphorbia trigona) needs to be re-potted. The 24" clay pot tips over from the height and weight of this plant. Where can I find a container larger enough and what kind of soil is best for her?
I have a 10' Cathedral Cactus (Euphorbia trigona) that needs to be re-potted into a larger container. She's in a 24" clay pot which tips over from the height and weight of this plant. Where can I find a container larger enough and what kind of soil is best for her? Any idea will be welcome!
Often it is the design of clay pots that lends to them falling over, mostly from the narrow bottom which provides little stability. Choose a container that has a wider or broader base and isn't tapered as much as the clay pot. Also, you might consider pruning some of the height from the Euphorbia. Choose any tall stalks that would not leave a void in the overall shape of your nice plant and simply remove them. They will usually heal quickly and might provide more stability for your plant as well as improving the overall appearance.
Well, here I am again! The
Well, here I am again! The re-potting went without anyone needing an emergency room visit, and for few months the plant did well. Suddenly branches began drying and dying. When I watered it, the water that came out from the bottom looked rusty! It left rusty and oily stains on the patio! I could not visualize any bugs. I fed her with MiracleGro hose end feeder, but she is dying and I don't know why and can I save even a small part of her - HOW? Thank you again! Leena in Houston
With a reaction as sudden as
With a reaction as sudden as what you've seen with your Euphorbia it suggests a root rot situation that may have been present prior to the repotting. I can't explain the rusty color or oily outflow but while it doesn't sound good it probably had nothing to do with your problem. Unfortunately, the only way to determine what's going on is to remove it from the new container and the new soil and examine the roots for signs of damage or rotting. You could also determine during this procedure which roots were still firm and white and good, and remove any others that are brown, soft and mushy. Remove all stems that show signs of softness or rot. I'd then recommend that you keep it out of the soil for a while until it appears to stabilize and then try repotting it again. Euphorbias can survive extended periods of drought due to their milky sap, and while they may wilt a bit, they don't die from lack of water like they do from too much water.
Thanks for your inquiry.
Happy Gardening!
The PlantMaster