The faux cactus plant has to be leveled and secure, so using the dowels and sealant will help keep the pool noodles in place. Using tape first to map out where to put the dowels is helpful. Once you level your dowels, fill half the pot with sealant and let it dry overnight. If you’re not using sealant, place the noodles inside the pot, fill it with plastic bottles, and add large rocks to keep them in place. Remove the tape and slide the noodles over the dowels when dry. Then fill the noodles with sealant from the top to be glued to the dowels. You can create cactus hands with the foam sealant by spraying small blobs on plastic wrap.
Shape the noodles to give the cactus look by cutting out vertical indentations all around. The best tool to cut pool noodles with is a utility knife. Repeat on the hands. Then, cover the entire surface with plaster. After it dries, paint the whole cacti dark green, then add contrast with light green on the edges. Give a prickly look by gluing on paintbrush bristles with Modge Podge. Finally, hot glue the hands to the cacti, and you’re done! If you don’t want to use a paintbrush for the prickling look, insert toothpicks. Toothpicks can be harmful, so keep them away from children. Lastly, add faux flowers to enhance the look.
Source: housedigest.com