If several cacti thrive in one pot, over time they become crowded. So that the plants do not damage each other with their thorns, separating them solves the problem. That sounds easier than it is, because sometimes the roots are tightly intertwined. Read here how to successfully divide your cacti.
How do you separate cacti?
To successfully separate cacti, you should pull them out of the pot in spring, let the substrate dry and carefully remove them. You can then divide the plants using tongs and repot them after a rest period. Wear thorn-proof gloves to avoid injury.
Divorce date is in spring
Since separation represents a high level of stress for cacti, the best time for the measure is a day at the end of winter dormancy. If possible, do not divide flowering cacti as the thorny beauties could react by dropping the flowers.
How to divide cacti in an exemplary manner
If the affected cacti are in purely mineral cactus soil, the separation should go smoothly. It is more difficult if the substrate contains a high proportion of peat. Peat tends to compact and wrap tightly around the roots. It is therefore not enough to simply pull the plants apart if the roots are to survive the procedure undamaged. How to do it right:
- Pull the cacti out of the pot together
- Place on an airy grid for a few days so that the soil dries
- Shake off the now dust-dry substrate or remove it with a wooden stick
- Then divide the cacti using tongs
Are the root strands so tightly intertwined that the plants cannot be divided by simply pulling? Then rinse the root ball with soft water until you have a clear view of the weave. If you divide the cacti now, only a few roots will be damaged, which will grow back quickly with good care.
Let it rest first - then pot it up
After this effort, the cacti are allowed to regenerate in a warm, shady place for a few days. Only then do you replant the succulents in individual pots or a larger, shared pot.
Tip
Respect should be paid to the sharp thorns of numerous cactus species. Although the plants are not poisonous, serious infections can develop from skin injuries. Therefore, wear thorn-proof gloves (€15.00 on Amazon) when dividing, cutting or caring for cacti. Please disinfect even small cracks carefully with iodine ointment.
