If I clip a piece of a pencil cactus and stick it in soil, will it grow? I grabbed a piece a couple of weeks ago and stuck it in water thinking it'd grow roots and I could go from there. I'm getting the sense that that's the worst thing to do. Has anyone else grabbed a piece and made a new plant and if so, how? Thanks!
I don't grow it, but I don't think water is the way to go. Moderately-damp, light soil that drains well would be better. There are several interesting threads about this plant on the forums. Take a look at this one: http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=7100&highlight=pencil+cactus
To propogate cacti you must first make a fresh cut without squashing it, and then let it dry out in a shady cool place for about a week. This makes a heel on the plant so it won't rot and then put it in some clean rinsed sand. Don't force it in, make a hole first then put it in. Leave it somewhere shady and just water it so its damp but not wet. If you put it in water it will eventually rot & die. Hope you have success.