Cactus Transplanting Laws

Choose Healthy Plants

• Transplanted cacti will do best if they are already very healthy. Choose disease- and blemish-free plants that show no obvious signs of bruising, wilting, insect infestation or sunburn. Oftentimes cactus plants will produce offsets at the base of the plant. These, if their roots have already formed, can be transplanted according to the same rules as adult cactus. Cacti generally transplant best from March through October, although you can move them any time of year if necessary. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension suggests moving them when nighttime temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Maintain Directional Orientation

• Because they do not move, cacti are more exposed to the sun on one side of the plant than the other. This builds up a tolerance in that side but leaves the other side less able to defend itself against the sun’s harsh rays. Before digging up the cactus to be transplanted or removing the offsets you wish to plant, mark the cactus using a pen or piece of string to show which side was facing the sun. If you accidentally plant the side that isn’t used to sun so that it now gets several hours of sunlight each day, it can burn.

Treat Roots Properly

• When not treated before transplanting, cactus roots may become prone to infection or let in microorganisms that can cause damage to the plant. Instead of simply moving cactus to a new location, carefully snip away damaged roots using sharp clippers, then dust the open wounds with sulfur powder to help facilitate scabbing. Leave the cactus out in a shaded, open area while the plants heal over. This may take anywhere from two days to two weeks -- once healed, roots will no longer look wet at the cuts. If you do not possess a shaded garden area, place a shade cloth over the plant instead.

Prepare the Medium

• Choose a new planting site where the plant can orient toward the sun the same way. Dig a shallow, wide hole where the body of the cactus will not settle below the soil. If soil is extremely sandy, incorporate compost so that it makes up 25 percent of the new medium. Once planted, refrain from watering cactus until you see new growth, unless nighttime temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.