what is this

Kenny · Post by **Kenny** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 5:05 pm

anyone know what this is?

Bill in SC · Post by **Bill in SC** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 5:39 pm

Looks like rot to me.. You can do surgery on it, and treat with a fungicide or cinnamon.. It may save it..
Bill in SC

Kenny · Post by **Kenny** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 5:45 pm

surgery u mean to cut it out? wont that leave a big gaping wound?

iann · Post by **iann** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 6:11 pm

Might be a scorched area which has now collapsed.

wont that leave a big gaping wound?

You already have a big gaping wound. The choice might be between a big gaping wound in a live cactus or a big gaping wound in a dead cactus. If it is rotting inside then it will likely spread until the cactus is dead. This type of rot must be cut out.

If it is just a scorched area then there is probably not much you can do. Areas which were overheated are already dead, but the rest of the plant may live. At worst you can cut off the whole top of the plant and wait for pups to form lower down. That will happen naturally if the vascular bundle to the apex is dead. The apex of your plant looks pretty messed up already, with deformed growth coming through.

Kenny · Post by **Kenny** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 6:21 pm

ok think i will cut the top off as there is another spot on the other side any advice how to take care of it after i do this? i really like this cactus so i will do whatever i can to save it
i dont like to let things die if i can help it

iann · Post by **iann** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 8:23 pm

Yes, if its gone right through chop the top off completely. Look for clear green flesh inside. Cut a bit further if it is still brown or black. Sterilise your knife or use a clean knife for the final cut so that you don't infect the healthy flesh. I dust with sulphur, some people use other fungicides, some people use none, but make sure the cut piece stays absolutely dry until it forms a firm skin. Don't water for this time, to avoid forcing sap up into the cut part of the cactus.

Prickly_Jim · Post by **Prickly_Jim** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 11:43 am

Think ive got the same problem in one of my plants...

The wound is slowly getting bigger so think i need some action to.

If i cut out the rot (which will leave a V shape in the side of the cactus) will this 'fill' back in or remain a cut ?

If this fails then i will have to chop off the cactus above the rot, when i have cut it off do i just replant into a new pot or do i need to let the end dry and heal slightly ? Does it need any treatment ?

Thanks

Kenny · Post by **Kenny** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:48 pm

it was in there pretty deep, u can tell i am not a surgeon but i got down to some nice flesh in there, it was also very wet, now do i keep it inside now that i have butchered it? and what should i watch for? i am very determined to keep this cactus alive so any advice whatsoever will be appreciated

Post by **daiv** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 3:00 am

Jim, There is no filling in, unfortunately. Damaged cacti stays damaged. If you do end up cutting it, remember to always let the cut part heal over for about 10 days or so. Then just pot it deep enough to keep it from falling over. Then keep it out of direct sun for a while.

Kenny, likewise on yours. Let it heal over in a warm dry place with indirect light. Then just care for it as you would any other cactus. It will do the rest.