Re: Opuntia support
rivenrck@best1.net
Sun, 26 Oct 1997 21:44:09 -0600
In this area we would tend to cut the plant down and let it regrow from the stumps, or yank the whole thing out and replant another in it's place. If it is essential to save this particular plant, you may wish to bore holes through the trunk sections and let the would callous over and heal for two weeks or three. Then brace or cable it. The plant has a webbing of veines that harden to a degree and help give the plant support, support is also via hydraulic means, in that the hydrostatic pressure of the leaves must be greater than the surrounding atmospheric pressure, dry plants will tend to droop more. The leaves would indeed require a large area washer to reduce pull- through. Best of luck on this project, PS> Don't do any cutting into the plant during rainy periods, the wounds must heal over for a few weeks before rain or rot may set in.