How to Transplant Desert Plants

Avoid replanting your cacti in a waterlogged area.

A desert plant is any plant that is well adapted to the arid landscape by having a large tap root that can absorb water deep in the soil. Transplanting desert plants is sometimes necessary when changing up the landscape or moving the plant to a more optimal location. Though most desert plants can be transplanted any time of year, the University of Arizona recommends transplanting plants such as cacti between March through October, when soil temperatures are still warm.

Things You'll Need

• Sticker
• Shovel
• Landscaping bar
• Bypass shears
• Powdered sulfur
• Washed sand
• Gravel

Instructions

1. Press a sticker onto the south side of the plant to indicate its orientation to the sun. The south and southwestern sides of desert plants have been toughened by the sun. If planted facing the other direction, the former northern side can experience sunburn.

2. Dig a trench 1 foot away from the base of the plant. Cut the root system of the plant with the shovel as you dig. Press a landscaping bar underneath the desert plant to lift it upward through the soil. Shake the plant to remove soil around its roots.

3. Prune root stubs with a pair of bypass shears, so that they are 5 inches long. Remove any damaged roots from the desert plant. Apply powdered sulfur to the cut roots to aid with healing.

4. Lay the desert plant down in a shaded area for two weeks for the root system to heal.

5. Dig a hole twice the size as the root system and at the same depth as it was planted in its former location in the intended planting location. Place the desert plant inside the hole, refill the hole with soil and apply enough water to moisten the soil. Remove the sticker.

Tips & Warnings

• Mix backfill for desert plant with washed sand and gravel if working in clay soil. Use one part soil, one part sand and a handful of gravel when replacing the dirt.

• Avoid watering your desert plant until your see new growth.

References

• University of Arizona: Cactus, Agave, Yucca and Ocotillo
• MBG Net: Desert Plants