A nearly century-old, 200-kilogram Gruzon echinocactus has fallen at the Peter the Great Botanical Garden in St. Petersburg, Russia. The incident occurred in front of visitors, prompting immediate action from the greenhouse staff.

The cactus, sown in 1926, had grown to 90 centimeters in height and 55 centimeters in diameter before it toppled over. Preliminary estimates place its weight at approximately 200 kilograms.

The Komarov Botanical Institute, where the garden is located, reported the fall on social media. The primary cause is believed to be the plant’s inability to support its own weight.

Greenhouse personnel successfully lifted and secured the echinocactus using levers and a steel cable. A protective hose “belt” was placed around the cactus to prevent damage during the process. The cable was then threaded through the belt and attached to a ceiling beam, holding the plant upright.

The echinocactus is now supported by this suspension system. This incident marks the second time in the past year that a large plant has fallen in the greenhouse.

In the spring of 2024, a large agave named Salma collapsed, requiring several months of restoration efforts. Garden staff expressed their appreciation to the gardeners who assisted in saving the echinocactus, even after sustaining injuries from its thorns.

The institution hopes that the stabilized echinocactus will survive for at least another decade.