---
title: "My Optunia microdasys rufida cactus is doing great. It gets east sun…"
description: "My Optunia microdasys rufida cactus is doing great. It gets east sun and is directly by the window. I had some pieces that broke off whole when I was moving…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/6554e332c17c5c0d0f8bc2a2?language=es"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Danielle"
published: "2023-11-15T15:26:42.739Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/FQLiADtl6VJTrzSHZIGCro1gixLZKg2kiAQN5XFHCgY/cb9fca55d888458f9a5985f01e325690.webp?size=large"
---

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# My Optunia microdasys rufida cactus is doing great. It gets east sun…

_Publicado por Danielle el 2023-11-15_

My Optunia microdasys rufida cactus is doing great. It gets east sun and is directly by the window. I had some pieces that broke off whole when I was moving the pot to water it. I decided to let them callous and stick them into new pots in cactus (fast drying) soil. From this point I’m a bit lost. I don’t know if I should pull them up and check for root growth or ignore them? It’s hard to keep them in upright position, anchored in dirt with this type of cactus until they are established. How long and how often should I water the new starts? I don’t want them to rot, but I don’t want to kill them. Should I fertilize in the Spring and with what? Lots of questions. The main plant is doing great, but I’m not as confident about getting the propagations going strong. Thank you in advance!

![Adjunto 1 de 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/FQLiADtl6VJTrzSHZIGCro1gixLZKg2kiAQN5XFHCgY/cb9fca55d888458f9a5985f01e325690.webp?size=large)

## 3 comentarios

### Mullein comentó el 2023-11-15

This isn’t a very scientific method, but after a couple weeks in soil propagation, I’ll give it a very very gentle tug. If it feels stuck in there, then it’s got roots and you’re good to go. I would water only when you see the cactus getting wrinkling. The roots will be able to draw moisture from the pad, so they won’t need any like a tropical plant cutting would

#### Danielle respondió el 2023-11-15

What’s the pad? If it’s a typo, I’m sorry. I have no idea. Thank you for the advice. I will wait a while before I do check them or water them. Don’t fertilize is what you’re saying?

#### Mullein respondió el 2023-11-15

Oh I mean each individual section of the cactus. Like this type of cactus looks like it’s a bunch of ovals put together, so I would call each oval a pad of the cactus. I’ve heard the term here and there but it might not be an actual botanical term. Idk 😂  
For fertilizing, I would wait until you see new growth. Some people recommend fertilizing cactuses very rarely. My opinion is that you can fertilize if it’s actively growing. If you have an all-purpose fertilizer, try a half dose for cactuses. They don’t need as much as fast-growing plants. The reason is, cactus are sensitive to too much nutrients in the soil

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