If there is any cactus rot—squishy, brown, ooze coming from the cactus, cut it off immediately and allow the cut piece to dry for about a week until the exposed cut is dry and hard to the touch before planting. Tip cuttings are more immediately attractive. Center cuttings are typically thicker and will provide new branches in just a few months (we’ve seen as many as 8 branches come off of a cutting). To root a cutting, plant just deep enough so the cactus won’t fall over and water lightly every 10 days. Keep out of direct sunlight until it is thoroughly rooted. Once it has a good amount of roots (about 1 month), you can begin watering more frequently and acclimate to more sunlight. If you have a center cutting, it doesn’t matter which end is planted. They will both root and grow fine. If growing indoors, be sure and save the sunniest spots in your house for your Cactus, as they need lots of light. Don’t forget to turn them every few weeks so that they are evenly illuminated. If growing outdoors, make sure and don’t let them get too hot or too cold. Cacti prefer warm and dry conditions and a soil that affords good drainage and aeration. Let the soil dry out completely between watering during the growing season. A good soil mix is essential if you expect good growth and health for your plant. They prefer a porous, alkaline soil. If you don’t have your own cactus mix that you make, you can just use a quality cactus soil mix from the garden center. All mature actively growing cacti need to be fed occasionally. It is best to use a formula specifically designed for cactus like 7-40-6. (Nitrogen, phosphorus, potash) Use a mixture with a low ratio of nitrogen, as cacti can be burned by it. A commercial formula such as MiracleGro or rapid grow can be used, but should be diluted to half strength. I have heard that “Cactus Juice” brand by Sudbury (1-7-6), is highly recommended. Regular Bone Meal, available at most Garden Centers, makes an excellent organic fertilizer. During the dormant period (winter) your cactus should be watered only enough to prevent it from shriveling (lightly once a month should be plenty). Don’t water at all if it is humid for an extended period. During dormancy the plants roots do not take in water as rapidly, nor does it evaporate as quickly, and the result can be cactus rot. If possible bring your cactus inside the house and place it by a sunny window so it can continue to grow through the winter.