Easter Lily Cactus

Question

First, let me say thanks so much for the answers recently when I had questions about my hydrangea blooms, and I will try the suggestions sent to me. Now, I have another question. I have some cactus, which after researching online, I do believe to be of the Easter Lily Cactus family, of which there seem to be over 100 kinds. The following articles have pictures of specimens that look exactly like mine:
https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2010/05/easter-lily-cactus-echinopsis-eyriesii-echinopsis-oxygona.html
https://www.foodreference.com/gardening/html/111-eastlil.html

What I have not been able to really find is an answer to what, if anything, to do with the babies that have been produced over the years. I have had my cactus for about 20 years. I put them outside in spring and summer now, and they have produced beautiful blooms last summer and this. They have many, many babies on them, of varying sizes. I don’t know if I should take these off and give the parent plants room to breathe. They have not been repotted for years, so these babies are even below the pot levels, on the inside of the rim. They look terribly crowded and uncomfortable in there. This morning I have read some folks say to fertilize it in the summer. I have never given them anything but water.

Clearly, any information you would like to share with me would be appreciated. Thanks so much, Janet

Answer 1

Your plant sounds like it needs to be divided and repotted.

This article will help with that:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/propgen/dividing-plants.htm