How to Dig a Barrel Cactus

Barrel cactus spines can be white or red.

A barrel cactus is a species that has a cylindrical shape without the arms of the more iconic saguaro cactus. They are common to the American southwest. If you have a barrel cactus growing in your landscape and you need to dig it up to transplant it, you can do so without any special equipment. If the cactus is more than 2 to 3 feet tall, have a helper assist you because they can be too heavy to handle alone.

Things You'll Need

• Chalk
• Shovel
• Garden hose
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Mark the south-facing side of the cactus with a piece of chalk if you are transplanting it. When you replant it, it will need to have the same orientation to prevent sun scald.

2. Insert a shovel into the soil 6 inches from the base of the cactus. Pull the shovel out and insert it into the soil again, cutting a circle around the cactus that is always 6 inches from the base.

3. Dig under the cactus, starting at your 6-inch cut. Cut through the roots with the edge of the shovel.

4. Wrap a garden hose around the middle of the cactus. Lift it out of the ground by the hose so you do not cut yourself on the spines.

5. Lay the cactus on its side. Examine the roots for any torn or damaged roots and cut them back to just above the tear.

References

• Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society: Cactus Planting
• Eduscapes; Cactus; Annette Lamb, et al.; May 2002
• University of Arizona Extension; How to Plant a Cactus; Jack Kelly