Very LARGE Cactus - ID? problem? Growth Pics!

[naomiaileen]

Hi! It’s my first time posting here and I’m excited to learn more about my cacti collection.
This one I’m posting about (see pics!) I came across this on Craigslist.. someone was getting rid of it for FREE!! (lucky me). I have posted the picture from Nov and the picture now in December. For reference, I live in New York.

I had to cut the top of the center stem in 2 areas because it became almost black Anznavur yellow and was going down towards the rest of the plant. I cut it rounded so it can close up nicely. You can see the difference before and after the cuts in some pics. I wish I had an area in front of a huge window but I don’t at the moment.

I’d love to hear what anyone has to say, ID, thoughts on the growth, possible rot/spots.. I’ve noticed that it is growing tall but much thinner. Also these are areas that look funky and not well. Excited to hear tips and tricks!

Thanks

[Aiko]

I’ve noticed that it is growing tall but much thinner.

That's etiolation. A lack of sufficiënt light intensity is causing a deformed growth, resulting in a skinny tall plant. The only solution is to put the plant in much brighter sunlight. If you cannot provide that at the moment but in spring / summer you can, then stop watering the plant and put it somewhere cool so it will stop growing. Once in a better place with good sunlight, you can resume watering again.

Warmth + water results in growth, but it needs light do do that properly. Warmt + water - light results in etiolation. So if there is no warmth and or no water, there will be no growth. In this case that is the best solution for now.

[stefan m.]

Is that root rot i see? Check the stem tissue near the roots, if its soft, you got a bigger problem than etiolation and sun/physical damage.

[naomiaileen]

Is that root rot i see? Check the stem tissue near the roots, if its soft, you got a bigger problem than etiolation and sun/physical damage.

That is how i received it last month, i know it's not in the best condition.. it was covered in thick layers of dust and dirt that i tried to clean off. I touched the darker area and it is a LITTLE softer than the rest of the regular green area. The person needed to get rid of it that day since they were moving so it was either coming with me in hopes that i can make it grow or on the curb
It is so very tall and it leaning from the height so i have it leaning on things to prevent it from snapping.

[ElieEstephane]

If it's soft and leaning then it's rotting

[stefan m.]

Oh boy..... you got root rot and on a large plant too. You need to cut it and do the things in the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM6imgsh4Gg
In case you cant find or dont want to use sulphur powder, use cinnamon instead.

[naomiaileen]

If it's soft and leaning then it's rotting

In the pictures of the full cactus, you can get an idea of what i mean by leaning, it's not completely drooping but it's pushing towards the pot at the bottom and the top is more outwards rather than straight up. I hope i'm able to describe it clearly.
Its not soft enough where if i poke it, it will rip through.. just very slightly. Not sure what my next step should be to save it..

[naomiaileen]

Oh boy..... you got root rot and on a large plant too. You need to cut it and do the things in the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM6imgsh4Gg
In case you cant find or dont want to use sulphur powder, use cinnamon instead.

I will look into it. I'm finding it difficult to find a window or area that gives them enough light. I feel like i have tried many areas in my house and at work...

[stefan m.]

dont think light conditions are what you need to worry about. Root rot is a much more severe issue with the plant- and if not treated immediately the plant is very likely to die. And during the rest period needs to be out of light before you plant it in soil.

[naomiaileen]

Please visit my most recent post showing the cutting process.. had a few questions there! thanks