How to Straighten a Leaning Fishhook Barrel Cactus

Dig Up the Cactus

• 1

  Mark the south side of the fishhook barrel with a spot of white spray paint.

• 2

  Dig a trench around the barrel about 12 inches out from the base. Place several lengths of soft, thick rope around the plant's stem and tilt it over so you can sever the roots underneath the plant.

• 3

  Remove the plant from the ground with the ropes acting as slings around its body. Get several people to help move a sizeable plant. Put it on a piece of heavy canvas or a carpet remnant wide enough so it forms a sling people can grab onto.

• 4

  Remove all the soil from the roots. Trim the roots with pruning shears. Disinfect the shears with a solution of 1 part household bleach and 10 parts of water between cuts. Dust the cut root ends with horticultural sulfur or scouring powder containing bleach.

• 5

  Lay the barrel cactus in the shade for several weeks for the cut roots to scab over. Leave the sling in place.

Replant the Barrel

• 6

  Dig a hole in an area of well-drained soil in full sun. Make the hole big enough to contain all the plant roots and so that the barrel cactus is at its original depth.

• 7

  Transport the barrel cactus to the planting location using the sling. Turn the cactus so the white paint spot points south. Position the bottom of the cactus in the hole in an upright position and spread the roots out within the hole. Take care not to damage any roots.

• 8

  Fill the hole with soil and tamp it firmly in place.

• 9

  Position a landscaping boulder on the southwest side of taller plants to support the barrel as it again leans southwest with subsequent growth.

• 10

  Protect the barrel cactus with 30 percent shade cloth for six to 12 months, gradually removing it for a longer time each day over a week's time during spring or fall until it is off completely.

• 11

  Water the barrel cactus two weeks after planting it.