Save a Rotting Cactus - propagating Euphorbia trigona

[@michaelmccarthy4077]

just imagine if you hadn't been the one to adopt that from the discount rack. Some poor sap would have taken that home and it would have rotted and gone in the bin.

[@GardeningatDouentza]

I'm sure it happens all the time.

[@feroshus1714]

I like the portrayal of what really happens when you work with plants. Other channel's make it all glamour this is all reality thank you.

[@GardeningatDouentza]

No glamour here :D

[@juleswithnorthstar]

I've never left them 3-4 weeks to callus over. Usuaaly just 3-5 days.

[@pamhooten4505]

Hi Rachael! I’ve grown this castus for years, they get too big for me to handle taking in and out of my house in winter. Lucky you having a beautiful green house to store them in! When they get too big I start a new pot of them. I’ve never used the water to dip them in, I cut them with hand clippers and let them dry out for a couple of weeks and plant. I’ve found that when you plant one stalk in a pot they’ll get very top heavy and the little stem won’t support the plant. Last summer I planted several in one pot and they support each other, makes for a beautiful full pot of them! Looking forward to seeing yours grow!

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Hi there. I am also looking forward seeing mine grow. I think it is too cold in my greenhouse for this plant in winter so it will have to come indoors. Here's hoping it grows as well as yours 😊

[@kamreyn5284]

Hi I know it's been 2 years since you've commented this but I really need help with my African milk tree

[@desertplantsofavalon]

Well done on saving your Euphorbia Rachel

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Thank you, Lyn and Hans 😄

[@haileyflora8555]

Smart to use a tomato cage for it. My euphorbia lactea was always leaning so I had to tie upright until it established better roots!

[@ninahollingsworth4100]

Thank you. Lovely lady and gave me plenty of tips

[@SlingingLead]

I've had to do this before, many times. Anvil loppers are much more suited to the job than a knife. Once you get the hang of growing these things you will have so many you wont be able to give them away anymore.

[@constantinaeternum1973]

you can actually cut and make spouses from every leaf/thorn. That's a lot of new plants right there :D

[@kathe8466]

My guardian angel! I left my euphorbia with mg parents and when I came home two out of three of my growths were rotted through (one had fallen off!) Trying to save the third and a little bit

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Best of luck to you!

[@cintiayamazato3220]

Thanks for the video, should I leave the euphorbia 3 or 4 weeks drying where? Outside or inside ? 😊

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Leave then to dry inside if the weather is cold. This euphorbia cannot tolerate any frost.

[@Nhoj31neirbo47]

You’re lucky it’s a ‘good luck cactus ‘ as they are easy to rejuvenate. So many other plants would be consigned to the rubbish heap if their stem was rotten through and through. You’re actually going to end up with a fuller, more attractive specimenin the long run, assuming you plant all the cuttings in one pot.

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Yeah, I intend to pot them all in the one pot 😊

[@lisagrais]

Yes, please on a repotting video. I love following the different cycles of plants.

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Okay then 😄

[@ASMRLovebyT]

Hi. My cactus rot and I followed your instructions, but it won't dry out and it keeps rotting and I have to cut more and more. I almost have none left 😭 What should I do? I just cut it again taking all the rot away and left it on a bright dry area on a side. Thank you!

[@GardeningatDouentza]

So sorry to hear that. After you cut, try keeping it in the driest conditions possible, even under some light. I've seen these cut pieces kept in full sun in the south of Italy so they can take it. And make sure you cut off all the rot with each cut. Use a sterilised knife. Hope this helps.

[@CidYoung-REALTOR]

If it keeps rotting you might not be waiting long enough for the ends to heal before putting it in soil. When you allow time (2-3 weeks) for the ends to callous over there is less chance if disease entering the cut from soil borne pathogens. Also, someone else suggested dabbing some cinnamon on the ends to prevent decay and l use rooting hormone on all my plant cuttings to encourage new root growth. You can but it a a garden center under the name Rootone. While you are there, be sure to pick up a small bag of pumice, and try rooting your cacti or succulent pieces in that. It doesn’t retain water, so new roots will extend in search of moisture. Later, add it to your potting soil or cactus mix to enhance drainage. Most succulents do not enjoy sitting with their ”feet” in damp soil. (Easiest way to kill a succulent or cacti is too much water or poor drainage!)

[@Christine-wi1dl]

Personally, I use a good, sharp pair of scissors to cut my euphorbia when I cut it for propagation. I also use scissors on my other cacti and house plants for the same purpose.

[@TravelWTD]

What does it mean if the leaves turn yellow?

[@Helen-jv9mq]

Nothing, they do so when they don't get as much light. Put it in FULL sun; they are from central Africa. And don't forget to water! (Euphorbia are not cactuses, they're succulents).

[@carisacarpenter7378]

Thank u so much for this! I was repotting an arrangement I bought at Lowe's a few months ago and found rot at the bottom of mine under the soil. Immediately took it inside and chopped it off only to see brown all the way up the main body. I cut them like u did because I felt like I should and thankfully ur video confirms I was right. Sigh.. I hope it survives my newbie ways 😩

[@GardeningatDouentza]

I hope so too.Good luck with it!

[@Collection_of_unseen_nature]

Perfect 👌 thank you so much for sharing. Want to send you lots of brighter february hugs from southern Sweden 🤗

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Thank you, Nelly 😊

[@willajohnson8577]

Try one like this. Let it dry since it is wet.. Dab cut into cinnamon powder and stick in DRY soil No water.. Would like to see if this works on this cactus. I had one that was taller than me and after all the wrapping and moving it I left it by the storage shed and wouldn't you know the temp dropped and that thing melted like butter. 😪😀 Saw this on Maria's garden channel..she uses cinnamon on Everthing has amazing luck with her plants..wish I did.

[@GardeningatDouentza]

I think I'll go with my method, thanks 😊

[@CidYoung-REALTOR]

Cinnamon is a good disease preventative on cut ends. I also use rooting hormone (Rootone) to encourage roots. (Some Euphorbias are very slow to root but be patient.) Also, some people allow the cutting to dry for a few weeks before putting them in soil. Once they have dried and “calloused over” it’s safer to put in soil. Otherwise, soil borne pathogens can enter the cut part and damage the plant.

[@14ajencks]

I'm just seeing this now, did you ever get them repotted? Is it normal for the cuttings of this cactus to turn brown while they sit?

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Yes, these were repotted and were shown in later greenhouse videos. I may feature the plant in Sunday's video. Brown and mushy is bad but a darker colour in winter is quite normal.

[@14ajencks]

@GardeningatDouentza I've left the cutting drying on a windowsill and it's starting to yellow, I suspect that the mother plant has died from not getting enough water, I suspect none of my cuttings will have enough water to propagate, do you have any advice?

[@GardeningatDouentza]

@@14ajencks It doesn't sound hopeful. Cuttings need to be from healthy growths so it may be too late for your plant.

[@Avatar2kelty]

I put mines straight away in soil Hehe they are like weed roots so easy

[@mincetoiletpaper]

Do you need to add water on the soil mix after you plant the cuttings into the soil?

[@sv4673]

yes, I’d like to see repot

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Okay then 😊

[@MzGudGud1698]

What if I have rotting top but roots and stem that was in the dirt are still green? Can I save the roots and green part by cutting the top rot off? Definitely need help, I also was given a Mother but she is like a brown tree with cut limbs. Can I save her at all as well?? Thank you in advance

[@GardeningatDouentza]

You must cut off any rotting portion or your cactus has no chance of survival. Cut into healthy tissue beyond the rotting portion and remove. Leave it exposed to the air and it should callus over in about a week. The larger the rotting potion you remove, the less likely your plant is to survive but it is the only course of action. Good luck.

[@kellyduguay3368]

Hi Rachel, just wondering how this turned out. I have this too, it's getting tall and I've been considering giving it a haircut, but I don't want to kill it as it's a bit difficult to find where I live. Any tips would be greatly appreciated 😊. Thanks so much! Kelly

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Hi there. Yes, the euphorbia did brilliantly and is now indoors for the winter. You can see it at 42:09 in this autumn garden update kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5LKmK2BfJt0jrc

[@annacooper7728]

Hi. In your video you kept calling the plant a catcus. It's not a catcus. It's an African milk tree & you can plant the pups & cuttings in a few days not weeks..

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Thanks for your comment. Yes, the video details mention how this plant is technically a succulent.

[@RecycleChic]

What are the white spots on the plant?

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Do you mean the bits of perlite?

[@zuzannapolak7367]

do you use hot or cold water?

[@GardeningatDouentza]

room temperature

[@pattylafleur6656]

Hi thank you for this video, it’s my first cactus and I’ve just followed every step in the video, where can I find the video that you show how to repot once it has healed after 3-4 weeks?

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Hi Patty. I didn't make a repotting video after saving the cactus because I made one beforehand. It is the same process and here is the video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHu3pZlujNp6pK8 You can see my recovered euphorbia most recently in my last houseplant tour. Well done on getting your cactus this far and good luck.

[@pattylafleur6656]

Oh brilliant thank you, when repotting should it be in fresh soil or the soil it was in before?

[@GardeningatDouentza]

@@pattylafleur6656 In the case of a rotting cactus it would be best to use fresh soil as the mix may have elements of rot in it. It's also an opportunity to assess that the mix is well-drained enough.

[@lilluzzo82]

Why 3-4 weeks? I thought 1 week was ok...

[@GardeningatDouentza]

It depends on the thickness of the cuttings. If your cutting is completely callused over in a week then go with that!

[@TaylorTillandsia]

I nearly had the opposite problem with some of my succulents, but it was my fault. I'm laying off of the water since it's winter and they nearly dried up. This particular pot had a very chunky, gritty mix. I think I managed to get to them just in time though, as they're plumping right up. It would have been a shame to lose such nice aloes and kalanchoes. Anyway, I hope your euphorbia cuttings do well.

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Glad you caught them in time. It's hard to get it right in winter!

[@TaylorTillandsia]

@@GardeningatDouentza Me too. They really are. I'm doing better this year than in the past though. Always striving for growth 💪🏻

[@damianjenkins6577]

I rescued a euphorbia trigona that someone was discarding. I’m worried I’m not caring properly for it. Could I send you a picture of it and see what advice you might give to me? I’m learning TONS from you and sending love from California, USA!❤️

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Hi Damian. Just replying to this comment now but we have already been in contact on Facebook

[@CidYoung-REALTOR]

If you are in California, you might consider joining a succulent club or plant society. I’m in NorCal and l attend a once a month meeting SFSucculent.org in Golden Gate Park. Other members are so knowledgeable and helpful! And we have GardenTours as well. Our Huge Annual Plant Sale is well attended every June. SF County Fair Building - 1199 9th Avenue (at Lincoln Way just inside the park next to the Arboretum) in San Francisco. Southern CA has good shows and plant nurseries too! Google it!

[@alexerz-geholz8924]

I always use my nitrile gloves when handling euphorbias... We had a huge euphorbia in one of the balconies in our Valencia flat and we had to get rid of it: cut every arm and they went to a lot of people in my succulents group... you wouldn't believe the amazing ammount of sap it bled!!! I love them, and have around 150 euphorbias at home, but I like to be... maybe too careful with them :)

[@GardeningatDouentza]

The sap is annoying but I guess we like what we like 😄

[@jessjess9066]

what are you saying?

[@Wubstract]

Could someone please post link to the cactus repotting video thank you 😊

[@GardeningatDouentza]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHu3pZlujNp6pK8

[@michellec.4994]

How long do i wait to water it after I've repotted the cactus?? Its been 2weeks. The soil is bone dry..its looking good....???

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Normally cacti and succulents can be watered two weeks after repotting. However, we are still in winter and cacti are still resting so, unless your plant seems to be shrivelling, I would hold off on watering until March anyway.

[@michellec.4994]

Ok... I'll wait another 2weeks

[@mariocean808]

When is the best time to propagate?

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Any time really for cacti.

[@CidYoung-REALTOR]

That knife is so awkward. Use Garden shears for cleaner cuts!

[@makinMYway75]

It couodvr been a little sharper that knife was to dill for that project

[@Ingelaiin]

Where is the repot video? 😄

[@GardeningatDouentza]

It is linked at the end of this video. Here it is now... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHu3pZlujNp6pK8

[@rose2fame1]

Good timing our cactus here are getting a lot of water, perhaps too much? I have a couple of small cacti. But I have friends that have a lot, I’ll pass on this video to them.

[@kamreyn5284]

Can anyone help me with me african milk tree??!!

[@GardeningatDouentza]

What's the problem?

[@BenjiNights]

Oh it didn’t like the other repot aye ? Oh no hope you can save it

[@GardeningatDouentza]

It must have been already rotted from the garden centre watering but the damage was not yet evident. It will be fine 😊

[@janiehall6095]

Use cinnamon and tite bond 3 waterproof glue

[@GardeningatDouentza]

No need for either!

[@CidYoung-REALTOR]

It was a helpful suggestion!

[@Shavenerd53119]

Don’t use potting soil. These plants grows in gritty gravelly soil

[@GardeningatDouentza]

But of course not.

[@benwinkel]

For the botanicists and sticklers among us, the Euphorbia is not really a cactus. :) Very good video!

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Yeah, I know you are right. I put the disclaimer in the details of the video. I take poetic licence though as 'cactus' fits so much better than 'succulent' in any title 🤗

[@benwinkel]

@@GardeningatDouentza Points distracted on my part, for not reading the 'disclaimer'. :) However i feel i must say this: Succulent sounds so much juicier...

[@benwinkel]

Isn't the Euphorbia a wonderful versatile genus? I love it!

[@GardeningatDouentza]

@@benwinkel Haha, it does 😂

[@jessjess9066]

Its a cactus ? ok I would have worn gloves, yeah?

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Wise move!

[@Systematicsphere]

that's not a knife

[@LUCHO12407]

hAVE A GIANT CACTUS THAT GIVE MILK MILK I HAVE TO CUT...

[@SunFlower44453]

Euphorbia isn´t a cactus .....

[@GardeningatDouentza]

I know. I mention this in the description.

[@melodypolo-klein9233]

Not a cactus 😊

[@GardeningatDouentza]

Yes, as mentioned in the details

[@ttmich]

I appreciate the training video, but it bothers me several things: 1) how could an experienced gardener letting the plants being in such a bad shape? 2) The plants are full of pricks and she didn't have the common sense using a pair of thick gloves to handle the plant? I am very uncomfortable waiting to see when she would get pricked! Oh well, enough said!

[@GardeningatDouentza]

It was a newly bought plant from a bargain rack, as mentioned. If you are not dexterous enough to pot without gloves then please don't! Also, if the video made you uncomfortable why on earth did you watch! I am happy to ban you from the channel if you would prefer so that you can be sure my videos don't disturb you any more.

[@carisacarpenter7378]

More than enough said.. Say less next time 😒