Managing a Leaning Giant Cactus

Stake or Prune a 5-Foot Columnar Cactus Leaning into Driveway

A fast-growing cactus in Southern California desert has bushed out at the top, becoming top-heavy and leaning 2 feet.

Options

1. Stake it. Use sturdy stakes and soft ties; may straighten over time.
2. Prune the top. Cut back 2 feet with sterile saw/knife; treat cuts with antifungal. Plant will likely branch below cut.

Considerations

• Large cacti are heavy and fibrous; get help.
• Check if leaning is due to insufficient light (phototropism).
• Photo would help assess species and structure.