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Transplant an old cactus? #891782

Asked January 21, 2025, 2:47 PM EST

Hi, I adopted an old cactus (at least 25 years old) that is in a tiny pot but stands 4 1/2' tall! It has always been an indoor plant. I feel bad for it and would like to transplant it outside, but I don't know if it could handle it after all these years - I've seen ones that look similar living outside in my neighborhood and it looks like a "Montrose Apple cactus" on Google. Do you think it would survive a move outside? If so, when is the best time? If not, any tips on repotting to a bigger pot? Thanks, Rick

Mesa County Colorado

Expert Response

It would be good to identify your cactus first.  Not all cacti are winter hardy and may not survive outside.  Are you able to share a photo?

Spring would be the time to transplant or repot. If you do repot it, here is some information for you from Indoor Cacti

Cacti generally like to be slightly pot bound. They should be repotted only as needed. April is the best time to repot cacti, just as they begin summer growth. When repotting be sure to wear heavy leather gloves or wrap the cactus in several layers of newspaper for handling. Repot cacti into a container only slightly larger than the present one. If the container is too large, the soil may stay moist and lead to rot. After repotting, wait several days before watering.


An Ask Extension Expert Replied January 21, 2025, 6:27 PM EST

Hi, wondering if you had any more thoughts on my question below?

 

Thanks,

 

Rick

 

From: Rick Morey [mailto:<personal data hidden>]
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 7:46 PM
To: 'Ask Extension' <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: RE: Transplant an old cactus? (#0161698)

 

Hi, thank you for the response!  I have attached a couple pics of it, and I am wondering what you think it is?  Do you think, if it is winter hardy enough for Grand Junction (the Ridges below the Redlands, specifically), that it may make it outside even though it has been inside it’s whole life?

 

Best,

 

Rick

 

From: ask=<personal data hidden> [mailto:ask=<personal data hidden>] On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 4:28 PM
To: Rick Morey <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Transplant an old cactus? (#0161698)

 

The Question Asker Replied February 27, 2025, 8:45 PM EST

Hi, wondering if you had any more thoughts to my question below?

 

Thanks,

 

Rick

 

From: Rick Morey [mailto:<personal data hidden>]
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 7:46 PM
To: 'Ask Extension'
Subject: RE: Transplant an old cactus? (#0161698)

 

Hi, thank you for the response!  I have attached a couple pics of it, and I am wondering what you think it is?  Do you think, if it is winter hardy enough for Grand Junction (the Ridges below the Redlands, specifically), that it may make it outside even though it has been inside it’s whole life?

 

Best,

 

Rick

 

From: ask=<personal data hidden> [mailto:ask=<personal data hidden>] On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 4:28 PM
To: Rick Morey <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Transplant an old cactus? (#0161698)

 

The Question Asker Replied February 27, 2025, 9:06 PM EST

It looks like what you have is indeed a Monstrose apple cactus (Cereus hildmannianus var. Monstrose.  

This cactus is hardy to USDA zones 9 and above, so is not hardy in our area. It will not tolerate temperatures below freezing for long.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 05, 2025, 11:44 AM EST

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