How to Transplant a Cactus to a Pot

Transplanting from the Yard

• 1

  Dig 6 inches away from the base of the cactus growing in the yard and 12 inches deep. Push the cactus through the soil with the shovel. Release any stubborn roots in the soil with your hands.

• 2

  Wrap a garden hose around the cactus. Left the cactus on its side. Prune away any damaged roots. Signs of root damage include discoloration and wilting. Lift the cactus off the ground using the garden hose and set on a wheelbarrow.

• 3

  Place the cactus underneath a tree for two days, so that its root system dries. Allowing the root system to dry out heals wounds made into the root system. Wheel the wheel barrow over the pot. Use a pot that has draining holes that are at least 1/2 inch in diameter.

Transplanting from Nursery Container

• 4

  Mix up cactus potting mix. Use one part washed sand, one part gravel and one part potting soil. Fill the pot up to 1 inch from the top with cactus potting soil.

• 5

  Wrap a newspaper around the cactus to protect your hands from spines. Set the cactus on its side and twist off the bottom of the container.

• 6

  Create a hole in the potting soil twice the size as the root ball and at the same depth as the cactus was planted in its nursery pot. Place the cactus inside of the hole.

• 7

  Wash off any dirt on the cactus, but withhold water for two days. Water the cactus twice a week for a month.