So Sad :((

Trouble shoot problems you are having with your cactus.
Post Reply
kaj030201
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Nov 20, 2014 2:39 am

So Sad :((

Post by kaj030201 »

Hi all,

We have a 6' cactus that seems to be suffering very rapid deterioration. This is an indoor cactus we've owned for about 2 years. It's not grown taller or wider at all, but has been living successfully with the sunlight/water it receives. There have been no significant climate changes that would have lead to this deterioration which has seemingly gone from no issue to much worse than even in this photograph in about 2 weeks. There are a total of 3 "spheres" of this plant, but the issue only appears to be affecting one of them.

Is there anything we can do at this point?

Thanks very much in advance!
Attachments
photo-23.JPG
photo-23.JPG (35.44 KiB) Viewed 567 times
KittieKAT
Posts: 1246
Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2014 6:49 pm

Re: So Sad :((

Post by KittieKAT »

I would unpot the cacti and check over all the spears of cacti and remove the rotten spear of cacti completely from the pot, the roots and all, then repot the remaining surviving healthy cacti in a bigger pot about 2inches bigger and fill with Sifted (through grate or a small potts drainage holes) cacti&succulent mix and perlite @ (50/50) of both.
Do not water the cacti for atleast a week or so for the roots to heal leave the cacti in a slightly shaded area with indirect light until you are able to slowly reintroduce stronger light after the roots heal. Then continue to water when the soil is dry to the touch, check by sticking your finger as deep as you can into the soil, if it's moist or wet don't water, if it's dry give it a small drink.
The rest should survive if the rotton cacti is removed to stop whatever it is from spreading, Goodluck
kaj030201
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Nov 20, 2014 2:39 am

Re: So Sad :((

Post by kaj030201 »

Thanks for the advice!
I went ahead and took out the bad spear and repotted with a bunch of new cactus soil and perlite. Fortunately the other two spears were OK so hopefully they will now thrive since their roots have much more room to grow. Thanks again!
KittieKAT
Posts: 1246
Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2014 6:49 pm

Re: So Sad :((

Post by KittieKAT »

You are very welcome hun, glad to hear they could be saved. Make sure you leave the soil more on the drier side in the chiller months and if it's cold where you live bring them inside so they don't get frost bite, anything below 50° F is not very good for most cacti/succulents and can cause scarring. And When the summer warmth starts picking up let the pot completely dry out before watering again, check by sticking your finger deep into the mix to make sure it's not damp on the roots and just dry on the top layer. Hope these guys make it and grow bigger and bigger! And Maybe a few flowers too! :D
Post Reply