Cutting is allowed - it is not advisable
Roots are the lifelines of all plants. Cacti are no exception in this regard. The root system usually consists of shallow or deep-reaching main roots, which are equipped with a dense network of fine and hair roots. In this way, water and nutrients get into the ducts where they are processed.
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Hair roots on cacti usually only live for a few hours or days. The lifespan of fine roots is also very limited in terms of time. Numerous Cactus species throw off the tender roots in the dry and form them again if necessary. Intervening in this cycle with the scissors requires careful consideration and should only be done in an emergency.
Cutting cactus roots - this is what you should pay attention to
Fall for you Repot dead roots ins eye, this is one of the rare cases for pruning. In order to keep the stress for the cactus low, the following procedure has proven itself in practice:
- Freshly grind cutting tools and disinfect them
- Cut off dead roots down to the healthy tissue
- Dust cuts with charcoal powder
- Let dry for 3 to 4 days in a shady place
After you have potted the cactus, it should recover from the strain in the partially shaded, warm location. Only water the plants for the first time after 2 to 3 weeks.
Beet roots or shallow main roots should be spared from a cut. Small species such as Yavia cryptocarpa or Blossfeldia liliputana do not survive this procedure any more than Astrophytum up to 150 cm in size.
Tips
So that cuttings put down the long-awaited roots, the right cut is a valuable help. Just cut off, the strong outer skin contracts and reduces the possible shoot area in the juicy, fleshy inner tissue. By doing a Offshoot Cut conically at the base, you create a cylinder from which the tender roots can sprout in large numbers.
