The protected species database indeed listed Spanish cacti as protected, but allowed for their sale within the EU – as long as you have proof of purchase.
If salt is not available or could damage the object in anyway, lavender oil or white sage, dried and burned or as a cleansing oil, are handy items to keep in you luggage. If you have concerns about these items being confiscated (unlikely) pack them in with your toiletries or cosmetics case.
8 Things You Should Never Pack in Your Checked Bag
- Never Pack These Items in Your Checked Baggage.
- Matches, Lighters, E-Cigarettes, and Vaping Pens.
- Lithium Batteries.
- Certain Types of Food and Alcohol.
So absolutely no problem. Just don't let your aloe vera or similar plant get damaged before security - it would leak a gel and gels aren't allowed in hand luggage :).
Yes you may carry one if you like. Certain countries put a ban on bringing in flora and fauna to their country. Succulents are sturdy, do not carry any pathogens so customs normally allow them at immigration.
Answer: Yes you can cut the top off of the cactus and plant it. Beyond the standard procedures of cutting you should soak the cut portion (the part you plant to put under the ground) with super thrive once the cut is HEALED!
If the cactus is leaning from the ground, it may be loosely planted in the soil. Watering too frequently prevents the soil from hardening around the base of the cactus and causes the soil to loosen. Provided there is no root rot, either transplanting the cactus in dry soil or packing more dirt around it is a solution.
Compared to other indoor plants, moving a cactus requires very little prep work. Water the cactus, if needed, a week before the move. It should not need any water during the trip. Wrap the pot in bubble wrap or newspaper for protection, and place the cacti in a box.
Outdoor Plants
- Dig into the soil in a circle around the cactus, about 6 inches out from the plant's base.
- Slide the shovel beneath the cactus and lift it out of the soil.
- Leave the cactus on its side in the shade for two days so the cut roots can scab over.
Newspaper is useful when you need to handle the cactus a lot during planting or repotting. To use the newspaper, lay several sheets over each other and wrap them around the cactus. Grasp the cactus through the newspaper. Be careful as this method is not foolproof and you can still get stuck with a spine.
A barrel cactus' root system is shallow, typically only about 2 inches below the soil surface, and spreads out laterally from the bottom of the barrel. A saguaro cactus has a more extensive and deep root system with lateral branches spreading out from a central tap root to a distance roughly twice the plant's height.
Dig approximately 2 to 4 inches under the soil until you see the main root of the plant. Sever the main root of the cacti by chopping through it. Dig out as much of the root system as possible with a shovel. Dig as deep as possible to get under the roots.
The TSA does allow fresh cut flowers through security checkpoints, as noted in their My TSA app: You can bring fresh flowers through the checkpoint, but not in a container filled with water. We suggest wrapping the stems in damp paper towels and plastic wrap or foil to keep them hydrated while you travel.
Keep the plants in the car (not in the trunk), where they can get some heat, and never leave them in the car overnight if the temperature threatens to fall below freezing.
In general, the TSA has no problem with passengers packing fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables in either carry-on or checked bags. But in carry-on bags, any soft or liquid-like fruit or vegetable counts toward your total allowance of liquids, gels and aerosols.
Your plant cutting should fit inside your carry-on baggage, so be sure it is packed and nestled inside its plastic bag and surrounded with clothing or a towel. Make sure the plant or your plant cutting does not contain a large amount of free-standing water on the potted soil's surface or in the cutting bag.
