How to Transplant Pencil Cholla

Pencil cholla (Cylindropuntia ramosissima) is a multi-branched cactus that grows from 3 to 5 feet tall. Each individual branch is approximately 4 inches long and covered in 2-inch spines. It produces small red, orange or yellow flowers during the early part of summer. Pencil cholla thrives in dry, sandy or gravelly soil and full sun exposure. Transplanting is best done in spring so that the cactus has sufficient time to recover before the onset of cool weather.

Protective gloves
Chalk
Shovel
Sulfur powder

Instructions

- 1
  Put on a pair of thick protective gloves to keep the spines of pencil cholla from penetrating your skin.
- 2
  Place a chalk mark on one side of the plant before transplanting. This allows you to replant the cactus in its original direction, which reduces the risk of sun scald on the side unaccustomed to receiving direct sun exposure.
- 3
  Loosen the soil all the way around the pencil cholla cactus. Work the shovel under the roots gradually, until the plant can be lifted from the soil with ease.
- 4
  Create a planting hole wide enough to spread the roots out easily and just deep enough to plant the cactus at its former depth.
- 5
  Sprinkle powdered sulfur onto any visible root wounds before replanting.
- 6
  Position the pencil cholla in the planting hole so that it is oriented in the same direction as before.
- 7
  Cover the roots with soil and pat down lightly with your hand to firm.
- 8
  Wait approximately two weeks before watering so that the pencil cholla's roots have time to recover. Add just enough water to barely moisten the soil. Continue to water in this manner whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.

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