TCSS Frequently Asked Questions

A. No, all are welcome, bring a friend. There are some member privileges though like being able to check out books, getting free plants at each meeting, and getting a monthly newsletter.

Q. How can I join you club, is it expensive?

A. Forms are on our web (print and mail with a check), you can also join at a meeting, or you can join at a Cactus Rescue. Annual dues are $15 for single membership, and $20 for a family membership; $10 extra per year if you want to get the newsletter in the mail. The newsletter is available for free on-line.

Q. I have a cactus in my yard I don’t want, will the Cactus Rescue Crew come get it?

A. Sorry, our Cactus Rescue Crew only saves cacti from destruction for new development areas. Give excess plants to neighbors or make contacts at our meetings or have your gardener relocate it to somewhere else on your property..

Q. Where can I buy your Rescue Cacti?

A. Presently you can only buy our Rescue Cacti at our sales. Check our Calendar page for our next sale date and location.

Q. Do you ship your Rescue Cacti?

A. No, we are not a business and only sell our rescued cacti at our sales. Many of the cactus nurseries in Tucson ship cacti.

Q. How do I find out what Cacti you sell?

A. We almost always have Fishook Barrels, Hedge Hogs, and Pincushions. We seldom have Saguaros and keep a wait list for Ocotillos. Email us at CactusRescue @ TucsonCactus.org for more information.

Q. I need a bunch of Rescue Cactus to landscape my new home. Can I get a discount?

A. Yes, if you join TCSS and come to one of our rescues and help dig and haul your own plants home you only pay our out of pocket costs which is less than half of our sales prices. Cactus under 8 inches are $1 each, saguaros are $7 each, all others are $5 each.

Q. I need a tall saguaro and some yucca. Can you tell me where to get them?

A. There are many great places in the Tucson area, we do not make referrals. We suggest you start by calling our reputable TCSS Member Nurseries listed on our business links page and check their prices and availability.

Q. I have a cactus that fell over, what do I do?

A. Check the cause. Is it rotted at the base? If so it is probably gone. If it looks healthy, many can simply be replanted (especially barrels, cholla, prickly pear and ocotillo). If it is a Cholla or Prickly Pear and is too big to handle, take cuttings (handle with metal tools only), leave them in the shade for a week and then plant them deep enough to hold them upright.

Q. I bought a Cactus from you and forgot what you said about planting it, can you help?

A. See our publications page, which has our planting guide brochures listed so you can read them or print one.

Q. I have a tall cacti that is blooming red, can you tell me what it might be?

A. Be sure you are looking at the bloom and not the fruit as to the color. Saguaros bloom white but have lots of red fruit after the blooms. Check our C&S Plants Database to find cacti by name or bloom color, etc.

Q. Can I sell or give away all the cactus on my property?

A. Yes, but if it is a native cacti and it is growing in its original location (or a saguaro over 4 feet tall) then you must get a permit and tags for each cacti from the state agricultural department prior to removal. See our Cactus Rescue page for more details.