Rot in the middle or top of a plant

neonj · Post by **neonj** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:43 pm

I noticed a dark spot on a comlumnar cactus near the top. Of couse I poked it was rot. The rotted area is about 1/2 the size of a marble and then it ends. The rest of the plant looks as healthy as a cactus can be.

I have noticed mature opuntia pads with like a little half cicle missing out of the side of it or a hole all the way through that has already healed a long time ago. I've noticed holes in larger older plants that are healed. I feel like most of these scars are probably areas that rotted out.

My question is why does this happen? If the spot is near the bottom then I feel like its from moisture in the soil. But what about a rot spot in the middle of the plant or near the tip? Why or how does rot happen here?

Jeffrey Gibson

clemons · Post by **clemons** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 12:19 am

i,ve had blue candles do this..i think its from too cool or humid weather..

Bill in SC · Post by **Bill in SC** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 1:05 am

Lack of adequate ventilation is also a culprit, but your's are outside, right Jeffrey? Is it in a corner someplace with little ventilation?
Bill in SC

neonj · Post by **neonj** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 5:39 pm

Bill in SC wrote:Lack of adequate ventilation is also a culprit, but your's are outside, right Jeffrey? Is it in a corner someplace with little ventilation?
Bill in SC

Yep, this particular plant is outside. It's a young plant. It's a 5 or 6 inch columnar. Except for the very small rot spot, the rest of the plant looks fantastic. I keep a fan on my inside plants.

Jeffrey