Question
QUESTION: While re-potting our (5 years old)cactus its tip broke. It's a cactus about 7 feet tall, 2 inches thick (average) and it's broken at about 1 foot from the top. It's not completely broken, just pretty well cracked .
What should we do, what would be the best choice?
It grew so tall so fast, cutting the tip off would make it get thicker and stop growing in height?

ANSWER: Eugen,

No, actually it should branch from the point that it has broken. If it is not at least 50% broken, I would leave it intact. If more than that, go ahead and break it the rest of the way off. It will heal and be fine. Thanks.

Sincerely,

Greg

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your answer, Greg! It's really helpful.
The other thing we were questioning ourselves is that the plant grew very tall and it's fairly thin in diameter. We put a rack around to support it, otherwise it wouldn't stand by itself. Even worse, somewhere at the middle of its height is thinner than from that point up.
Is there any way to make it growing thicker rather than growing taller?

Regards, Eugen

Answer
Eugen,

Some cacti are normally that way and creep along the ground. However, if your plant is indoors, more hours of light will help. Use a grow light to extend the hours per day of light (between 15 and 18 hours should be fine. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg