This cactus sting is something everyone knows about. This is why they are plants that sometimes do not gain followers, because when you least expect it, you end up stinging yourself. Now well, Do you know how to remove cactus thorns? Can be done?
If you just wanted to know if you can have a cactus without thorns (and not only those that are thornless, or almost), then surely this may interest you. Go for it?
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Cactus and thorns, are they necessary?
Have you ever wondered why cacti have thorns? You will surely answer that it is to protect themselves from animals, so that they cannot attack or eat them. But the truth is that it’s not just that reason. In fact, there’s another reason cacti have thorns (and why you can remove them without fear of anything happening to them).
It turns out that the thorns are modified leaves and they have a function: to make the plant resistant to temperatures of up to 60°C. It’s true, according to experts, these thorns perform a triple function:
- They protect the plant from animals.
- They help the plant to withstand extreme heat.
- They provide moisture. In that they are able to collect water and condense dew on them, in such a way that it is so well hydrated that it would not even need irrigation.
That way, if where you’re going to have the cactus it won’t get so hot that you have to leave the thorns on it, you might consider “shaving” it. But, How to do it? We will tell you then.
How to Remove Cactus Thorns
As you know, there are cacti with many spines, and others with very few or none at all. When this cactus has a lot to do, this process can be a little tricky, and it’s almost always best to leave a few to avoid stress or suffering. But when you barely thorns can be removedmore if they are of species which hardly have any.
Now, what to do?
Have the necessary items on hand
Specifically, we are talking about scissors, a “razor”, a blade, a nail clipper and gloves.
The latter is very important for safely handling your cactus. Also, you need to go to a place where there are no pets or children, and where you can keep an eye on where the thorns are falling at all times, so that you don’t plant them later.
Start by cutting the largest thorns
After putting on your gloves, the first thing to do is check your cactus to know where to start. If it has very large thorns, you can try removing them with scissors. If they are more fragile, maybe the razor will remove them, or a blade. And if they are stronger but small, nail clippers are your best tool.
It’s not something you’re going to do in five minutes (unless there are ten thorns), but it will take time. In addition, we do not recommend rushing to avoid accidental injury.
don’t take it all
If your cactus is one of those with a lot of thorns, we do not recommend removing them all, but leave a few (maybe take off the top and make it smoother but keep the bottom). This is for you to get used to. In addition, you must take into account that some cacti have this “special beauty” in the thorns themselves, or because they grow in a certain way. So we advise you not to touch it.
Over time, once it is already well adapted to the climate, one can begin to consider trimming the thorns, until it remains “bald”.
Special care
You have already removed the thorns from the cactus. And now you might think you can put it back where it was, but the truth is, you can’t. For a few days it is best to place it in a slightly more protected area from direct sunlight until it gets used to not having thorns.
Remember that these had the function of hydrating it and also protecting it from high temperatures. But their absence may have problems withstanding the same temperature until it adjusts again.
And if you stuck the thorns on the cactus, how do you remove them?
Maybe you came here because you had a little accident with your cactus and ended up being “molested” by it. The worst thing is that, in this accident, You may have a thorn stuck in your skin.
When it’s large there’s usually no problem seeing it and removing it, but when it’s small or has penetrated too much into the skin, things change.
If this happens, there are several ways to remove the thorns from the cactus. Which is it? We explain them to you:
- With tweezers: That’s what many were doing. Not just with cactus thorns, but with wood shavings and such. However, this has the problem that you have to see the spine well to be able to grab it and also have a good hand. And lightweight, especially if you’re in an area where you can’t see much.
- With zeal: The next thing you can try to get rid of cactus thorns on your skin is to use duct tape. When the tape sticks to the area where you have the thorn, it’s normal for that thorn to stick too (be careful not to press too hard so you don’t stick it further). Then just pull so that the thorn goes away with the heat.
- With glue. Well yes, glue. Although we only recommend this solution if there is no hair where you have the thorn or it may bother you because otherwise you will have to undergo “glue hair removal”. It consists of applying a layer above the place where you have the thorn and waiting for it to dry. There will be some kind of mass that you can remove. The good thing is that along with it the thorn should also disappear.
So now you know how to remove cactus thorns, both from the plant itself and from your skin. Of course, we recommend that if you handle cacti and do not want to suffer more accidents, it is better to touch them with gloves. Whether you like it or not, sticking your thorns together is not a good thing, especially since some cacti can be poisonous.