Cactus growths out of control- next steps??

[andreatait]

I have had this cactus for a year and it has been growing like crazy. It is placed directly beside a light source which is probably causing the quick growths. I was wondering what I should do before they become too heavy and fall off...Cut them off and replant them? Repot the cactus?
Any advice is much appreciated!

[purpleinopp]

That growth is extremely etiolated. Do an image search of Opuntia to see, all of the growth should be rounded/oval "pads." Larry looks like he needs more intense light, real sunlight shining right on him, for as many hours per day as possible.

[Sweyn]

That growth is extremely etiolated. Do an image search of Opuntia to see, all of the growth should be rounded/oval "pads." Larry looks like he needs more intense light, real sunlight shining right on him, for as many hours per day as possible.

You're right. It's an Opuntia and it should not, normally look like that. All the pads should be round.

It's easy to grow these as cuttings. The pads can be cut off and planted, once they are at least a few centimetres long.

[Spanishfly]

I would cut off those unsightly, long thin pads and give the poor thing some light. God´s good sunlight is best. You say it is ´beside a light source´ - well any kind of incandescent light, including halogen, is totally the wrong spectrum for any cacti.

[imafan26]

It should be outdoors for as long as possible.