greenechidna Posted December 11, 2018 Just about to pot a bridgesii with really long spines, noob question do you remove the bottom couple of rows of spines before planting or leave them on for stability. Was planning on removing them with side cutters or pruning sheers. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mysubtleascention Posted December 11, 2018 (edited) A personal choice really.. I myself prefer clearing spines / pruning / before wintering indoors, for purposes of safety and convenience. Stability should be achieved by proper root development in the pot. If you're repotting a long cactus, there need to be an adequate support provided /sticks,bars/ alongside in the pot, untill the roots are well established. There need to be enough heavy ingredients in the pot /rocks,sand/ to make it a stable base for the future development of the column too. Edited December 18, 2018 by mysubtleascention 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zelly Posted December 13, 2018 i worry not about spines or anything else...toss some soil in a pot, add cutting, then more soil, then stand 4-5 bricks vertical between the cutting & the pot if there's room, if not then big rocks & leave it that way til its rooted. bricks or rocks stabilize the cutting & add warmth to the soil which promotes root growth. 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greenechidna Posted December 13, 2018 Thanks for replies and tips will try them out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peyofox Posted December 18, 2018 Trim 'em. They only get in the way. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites