Transplant of a Barrel Cactus Baby

Weather

• Do not transplant in cool weather or the winter. The temperature should be more than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold soil inhibits cactus' ability to root in its new location, making the newly planted baby barrel cactus more likely do die.

Selection

• Select a healthy, hearty-looking barrel cactus. If the cactus is diseased or has blemishes or bruises, it may not survive at its new location. Transplanting shocks a plant, and a sickly plant is less able to survive the move.

Orientation

• When purchasing a plant from a nursery, they often indicate what direction the cactus originally faced. This is because whatever side of the cactus faced north at its last location should face north at its new location as well. If you are digging up the barrel cactus for transplant, note the direction one side is facing and maintain that orientation at the new location.

Roots

• When digging up a small cactus, dig out about 6 inches around the plant to get as many roots as possible. Trim any damaged roots before planting but don't remove healthy roots. Always use sanitized garden shears to avoid introducing disease-causing bacteria or fungi to the roots. If you fail to remove damaged roots, they decompose and pose a health risk for the plant.

Planting

• Allow the roots to dry out before planting by placing the cactus in a shaded area for two or three days. This dries the roots, hardening them and making them more resistant to harmful pathogens.

Irrigation

• After planting, irrigate the area enough to settle the soil without making the ground muddy. A newly transplanted cactus needs watering about twice a week. When the weather cools, only water the cactus if it hasn't rained during a three- or four-week period. The young cactus needs protection from the sun during the early stages. Cover it with garden shade cloth until you notice new growth.