Help My Cactus
Question:
I have a cactus that is dying. Normally, I dislike cacti, so I would throw it away. The problem is... my mom recently passed away, and it was her cactus, it has a lot of sentimental meaning. How can I save this cactus before it dies? It used to have about 10-15 stems that grew beautiful burgundy flowers. All that is left is 2 stems and no flowers!Sandi from Canada
Answer:
Sandi,I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Since I'm assuming you moved the cactus from where your mother was to where you are now, it's also safe to assume that some the environmental conditions the cactus was used to have changed. Your best chance for success will involve trying to mimic, as closely as possible, the conditions (light, temperature, etc.) of the plant's former growing environment.
General growing requirements for desert types of cacti include the following:
Temperature: Average warmth from spring to autumn with cooler (50º F to 55º F) temperatures in the winter. Hairy cactus like Cephalocereus senilis and Espostoa lanata need slightly warmer minimum temperatures (60º F).
Light: The more sun the better, but move them away from windows during cold winter nights.
Water: Treat your cactus like a normal houseplant from late spring through late summer. Water the cactus only when the compost begins to dry out. Cacti are sensitive to over watering, so if you have a tendency to over water houseplants in the first place, use a moisture meter to help you keep tabs on the soil's moisture level. At summer's end start backing off on the water. Keep the cactus almost dry from autumn until early spring. During this time, give it only enough water to keep it from shriveling.
Humidity: Keep it on the dry side. It will appreciate some fresh air from an open window on hot summer days.
Flowering: Cacti usually flower on new growth. Leaving them slightly pot bound can help stimulate this.
If you're worried that your cactus is on an irreversible downward spiral, try taking stem cuttings or offsets to start a new plant before it's too late. Let the cuttings dry out (cure) for a few days before inserting them into a peat-based compost.
The above are only generalities. I would recommend finding out what type of cactus you have so you can address its specific growing requirements and follow detailed propagation techniques.
Ellen
About The Author:
Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
Feedback About This Post:
RE: Help My Cactus broke
My cactus fell over and broke where the orange mark is (I was moving it a bit).Didn't completely get severed .Is there any way I can save it from dying? I've had it since it was 4" it's now about 24" big .Please help.Happened Jan.30/08. Thanks Fran
Post By Fran (Guest Post)
Christmas Cactus
Have I over water my cactus and is it going to die. I really don't want to lose it as it is very old. Can I get starts off of it and if so how? Thanks!
Post By Carolyn (Guest Post)
RE: Help My Cactus
Do not over-water or over feed. Get a book or read on-line on cacti-care. Cacti are pretty low-maintenace. Use a cactus potting mix in its pot-never reagular potting soil.
Post By Linda (Guest Post)
RE: Help My Cactus
Is it a Thanksgivng or Christmas cactus?
flat leaves with jagged edges?
If it is I can help you.
I will have this thread being sent to me so I will be able to respond when you do.
Thanks and good luck.
Post By Enter your name. (Guest Post)
RE: Help My Cactus
I was told that you should only water a cactus when it rains in the desert. So watch the weather channel and look for when Arizona gets rain.
Post by JMRoss
RE: Help My Cactus
You might want to Google for instructions on how to care for cacti, Sandi. Might help if you know the exact name of the one you have.
Failing that or if you don't have time to wade through all the search results, I can recommend making sure the plant gets maximum sunlight (a southern exposure if you have it), but not directly (so place it a bit back from the window). You may be over-watering, so let it dry out. Thereafter, limit watering to once a week and not overly much when you do add water. I'm presuming it doesn't have mites of any kind, but you may want to double-check. Too, the plant should be in a pot with good drainage. You may also want to consider transplanting it (use the same pot if you like, but change the soil: most plant-care places have soil formulated specifically for cacti).
Best of luck to you!
Rose Anne
Post By Rose Anne (Guest Post)
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