Cactus people?

[andrewg]

I'm trying to figure out the cheapest way to get some larger cactus, like saguaro, for a vacation home I'm buying in Arizona. I know little about any cactus except that I love the look of them and the fact they I do not need to water them (most kinds anyway). Do they even have roots? How do you transplant them? What time of the year is best to plant cactus?
I know that some internet research is all I need....but I thought I would ask those that either live in Arizona....or at least have some experience in the matter.
Thanks.

 

[Chris142]

You have much to learn my friend.

"The growth rate of saguaros is strongly dependent on precipitation; saguaros in drier western Arizona grow only half as fast as those in and around Tucson, Arizona."

"Harming a saguaro in any manner, including cactus plugging, is illegal by state law in Arizona, and when houses or highways are built, special permits must be obtained to move or destroy any saguaro affected."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saguaro

Probly better go ask how to obtain them from a plant nursery.

 

[andrewg]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
You have much to learn my friend.

"The growth rate of saguaros is strongly dependent on precipitation; saguaros in drier western Arizona grow only half as fast as those in and around Tucson, Arizona."

"Harming a saguaro in any manner, including cactus plugging, is illegal by state law in Arizona, and when houses or highways are built, special permits must be obtained to move or destroy any saguaro affected."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saguaro

Probly better go ask how to obtain them from a plant nursery.

Yes I do....however from your post you seem to be assuming I was planning on stealing them or taking them from the wild. I never stated that nor did I intend to do that. Also, my home IS near the region of Tucson and will get the required moisture to not need extra watering.
Still don't know why you think I was going to take one from the wild!?

 

[SrDriver]

Any local greenhouse there will help you get the plants you want along with all the permits that you need for the plants too.

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: andrewg
Yes I do....however from your post you seem to be assuming I was planning on stealing them or taking them from the wild. I never stated that nor did I intend to do that. Also, my home IS near the region of Tucson and will get the required moisture to not need extra watering.
Still don't know why you think I was going to take one from the wild!?

Sorry I didn't mean to come off rude. Was just posting up facts. Most native desert plants are protected. Thats why I recomended a nursery.

I'm sure a nursery can sell you some or get you pointed in the right direction.

 

[andrewg]

No problem. Just was wondering if anybody knew of a type of nursery in that area or perhaps another legal source of obtaining some nice specimens without breaking the bank. I know that larger ones easily cost hundreds of dollars. Maybe I'll check Craig's and see.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: SrDriver
Any local greenhouse there will help you get the plants you want along with all the permits that you need for the plants too.


You need permits to even buy a plant??!? What is it, a gun?

 

[SnPb]

Yes, one needs a permit before one can move protected species such as a Saguaro. Cacti do have roots and fall is probably the best time to plant them so that they have some time to develop their roots before summer heat arrives. Most plant nurseries in the area have a cacti section and there are some that specialize in cacti only. For general information try searching for some of the following sites:
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
Saguaro National Park
Tucson Botanical Gardens
Tucson Cactus & Succulent Society
Tohono Chul Park
If you want a mature Saguaro your best bet would be to buy one from a local nursury. They have trucks with special devices mounted on the back for the purpose of transporting and planting Saguaro cacti.

 

[andrewg]

Originally Posted By: SnPb
Yes, one needs a permit before one can move protected species such as a Saguaro. Cacti do have roots and fall is probably the best time to plant them so that they have some time to develop their roots before summer heat arrives. Most plant nurseries in the area have a cacti section and there are some that specialize in cacti only. For general information try searching for some of the following sites:
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
Saguaro National Park
Tucson Botanical Gardens
Tucson Cactus & Succulent Society
Tohono Chul Park
If you want a mature Saguaro your best bet would be to buy one from a local nursury. They have trucks with special devices mounted on the back for the purpose of transporting and planting Saguaro cacti.

Thanks for the info. I appreciate the post.

 

[Mr_Incredible]

Don't forget other people like them, and people will steal them to sell to those other people. Especially from a home where nobody lives for extended periods.

Not saying it will happen, only thay it might be on somebody's radar right quick.

 

[andrewg]

Originally Posted By: Mr_Incredible
Don't forget other people like them, and people will steal them to sell to those other people. Especially from a home where nobody lives for extended periods.

Not saying it will happen, only thay it might be on somebody's radar right quick.

Ah yes...the delightful habits of the dark side of American 'culture'. I sure hope I don't need to deal with that, but if so....then I guess there's not much I can do about it. The area I will be placing the cacti will have brick walls and a locking steel gate. Hope that suffices to deter the average lazy criminal.