Night Blooming Cereus – What To Do With Rootlets

Q: Last year I was given a night blooming cereus. I have to bring it inside for the winter. This year it is sending out long, hairy shoots that I believe are rootlets looking for places to anchor. Since I can’t let it attach to anything permanent, should those be cut off?

A: You’re right: the rootlets are trying to find something to which they can attach and support the plant. Cereus plants become long and lanky eventually, so plan a support system that it can use in the future. Small bamboo stakes stuck into the pot soil, with twine loosely strung between them, work well.

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