Help with a cacti

[snowmm]

Hey, I received a cacti in a trade (I think from Deb_b) and I need some help. I thought it was a goner (sorry Deb) but I kept it in soil anyway and tonight I noticed that it has several...what I call new babies on it. The "mother" plant is all shriveled up and looks horrible. Can I just plant it completely in the ground and just let the babies sit on top of the soil? Any ideas what to do with it. I was so excited that it is coming back I can't wait to get it into the ground and I have a new spot already for it now. I just have no experience with cacti and I can't grow it indoors. Please help me if you can. Thanks!

[deb_b]

If it's the bigger flat/roundish cactus, it's the Prickly Pear. Sorry the main one looks bad. But yes, you can plant it deep enough for the babies to take root. I live in zone 6 and it's a perennial here and blooms beautiful yellow flowers. If one of them falls off and lands in my yard, it takes root on it's side. It's really an easy olant to start. You could even take the babies off and plant them seperately. I hope this helps you out some.
Deb

[snowmm]

Thanks! That's what it is. And it has so many babies. I'm so happy. I'm going to plant it in my front yard. How big do they get.

[deb_b]

I got a start about 25 years ago from a very dear friend that has past away. I have shared many, many starts with alot of people and still have many more. The pads get somewhat bigger, but not huge. They just spread and get really beautifol rose type blooms on them. I have mine in a tractor tire, which is full, again. I try to thin them and share them before they spread over the sides so much that they fall off . If they do, they take root on their side and keep spreading. I hope this helps.
Deb

[angmf2233]

I had just got some and I had leather gloves on and still got some prickles on my arms somehow? Ouch!!!Whats the trick I still have a few more to plant? Help please.

[deb_b]

I usually use tongs to plant mine with. Hold the cactus with the tongs and with heavy or leather type gloves on, place the soil over the cactus roots or ends. It works for me. Hope this helps.
Deb

[Shellee]

We have lots of prickly pear, yucca and other cactus growing wild here in west texas...if any of you have any your are looking for some let me know and I will see if I can find you some!

[deb_b]

What other types of Yucca and Cactus can you find? Are there any that will grow in zone 6, Oh.?
Deb

[Shellee]

I will take a camera out and get some pics. I don't know the names of all. I am wanting to go out to find a pin cushion. They are really neat...I know there are some of them around...of course you have to walk up on them since they are so short! Maybe I can do that this weekend...