Please tell me that it is not dead. Please.

Trouble shoot problems you are having with your cactus.
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melodies
Posts: 264
Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2013 11:18 pm
Location: North Florida, Zone 9a

Please tell me that it is not dead. Please.

Post by melodies »

So this cactus, a Notocactus haselbergii, is looking very odd. The spines started to turn yellow at the growing point a couple of weeks ago. I didn't see any bugs but sprayed it anyway. The yellowing stopped. But the last couple of days, I've noticed the very center going black. After a close inspection today, it appeared to be dirt and I gently removed it. There are no spines growing there, which really worries me.

I unpotted it, took pictures, and hopefully you guys can tell me what is wrong. If it isn't dead, that is.
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Base is slightly soft.
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-Jolene

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oldcat61
Posts: 932
Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2013 12:48 pm
Location: Southern NJ

Re: Please tell me that it is not dead. Please.

Post by oldcat61 »

Mine looked like it had "dirt" in the center. Under the loop, I could see they were seeds from all the flowers it produced. Was really a thick glob of black, right at the tip. Wrapped it in a plastic bag & hosed the top off in the sink. It was thick enough for me to worry it might cause rot. Sue
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