CACTUS HELP-WHAT TO DO NOW?

[wellington]

Okay, I have 11 mature spineless cactus pads I planted. They all now have at least two new pads growing that are growing well and a few more spuds poking through. I live in Chicago and want them to survive my zone 5 winters, they are suppose to be able to. I also want them to grow pretty big and plentiful. I have never grown this kind before. Don't know anything about them. Did I make a big mistake planting so many, am I going to be badly invade by giant plants, assuming of course they do survive my winters. Also, how do I take a pad off, with knife or just bend a brake off. Will more grow back where the one is taken off. Any help, if would be greatly appreciated. BTW, my little Tatum doesn't eat much of it yet.

 

[Len B]

Do you know what type they are ? Some spread along the ground and some grow tall like a bush, as for removing the pad either way is fine, you can also just cut part of a pad and leave the rest to grow new pads, every dot on a pad can produce a new pad or flower, When I get a new type and not sure of it's hardiness and how much moisture it can stand in freezing weather, I will leave some out and dig some up and store in the garage for the winter, that way I have a better chance of figuring out what it needs to survive the winter if the outside plants turn to mush. Good Luck with yours.

 

[Tom]

I use a sharp knife to cut off pads. A new one will not grow in that exact spot, but one could start right next to that spot. For young small tortoises I prefer to feed those tender young pads. Some people have luck with finely chopping it up and mixing it with greens. It makes a slimely mess when I do that. I just put whole pads in there, and mine seem to like to nibble from the edges.

Sorry I cant help you with any of that zone 5 winter stuff... If you want to move to CA, I'd be glad to help you carry your furniture into your new house. And then I could tell you all about what your cactus will do out here.