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Cacti & Succulents

My cactus has babies on it?

Anastasiia Ruder

8 years ago

Hi, I am new to cacti community, I just got this little cactus from my friend as a Christmas gift. Yesterday, I noticed that it has little mini cactuses growing on it... I've tried to research, but everyone says that cactus pups grow from the ground. Are those actually babies, or what are they? (They have roots on them). If they are, when do I separate them, and what soil mix do I need? Thank you for your help!

Featured Answer

breton2

8 years ago

Some cacti pup off the sides like this, it does not mean there is any damage to the growth point. I'd say your plant is quite happy!

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Comments (6)

Mentha (East TN, Zone 6B-7A)
8 years ago
Yep those are pups. That happens when there is damage to the growth point. I'd let them get a little bigger before taking them off but I'm lazy that way.
Anastasiia Ruder thanked Mentha (East TN, Zone 6B-7A)
Anastasiia Ruder
Original Author
8 years ago
Do you know how I can fix the damage to the growth?
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Mentha (East TN, Zone 6B-7A)
8 years ago
If the growth point is damaged, there really isn't anything you can do but start over with a new pup. Some people intentionally damage the growth point to make them pup faster though.
Anastasiia Ruder thanked Mentha (East TN, Zone 6B-7A)
cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
8 years ago
SOME PEOPLE draw and quarter their rare Agaves, getting four pups from one - I myself have not yet had the temerity to do so.

Mentha and breton are both correct, as both of these can happen. This is life on Planet Cactus.
Mentha (East TN, Zone 6B-7A)
8 years ago
Bad visual. I cannot imagine cutting up an agave to speed things up. YIKES! Cutting off the growth point of a cactus is bad enough.

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