Why is My Cactus Turning Yellow?

I got what I think is a type of barrel cactus from my sister when she passed in November. I put it in a south window, but it started turning yellow. A friend told me to give it more water, now It's really turning yellow. It was my mothers, so its at least 20-30 years old. What can I do? I took some pics to help with my answer.

Hardiness Zone: 4a

By Beth from WI

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Mary
Bronze Craft Medal for All Time! 52 Crafts

February 5, 20111 found this helpful

Best Answer

Hi Beth, Your cactus turning yellow can be a sign for quite a few things. Just curious...is there a baby growing off of it? Has it been in the same pot for a long time? The root system might have grown and needs to be repotted. It might be lacking nutrients and a good plant food for cactus might help.Just follow directions on package. Make sure it has the right kind of soil.

Cactus need a sandy mixture and good drainage at bottom of pot. Don't over water. Sometimes too much attention to cactus is a bad thing. They are use to being on their own and don't require much water. Yellowing means it's experiencing some kind of stress. You just need to rule out the main reasons and it should revive itself. Good luck!

friespepper

June 23, 20170 found this helpful

I have a Barrel Cactus that's looking in pretty bad shape but it's growing babies what does that mean?

Shelli Martin

February 11, 20112 found this helpful

Best Answer

I think (though I may be wrong) that it's getting too much water. I keep killing my cactus because I insist on watering them even if it's only every few weeks. I've read that you should never water them, just spray them once or twice a week with water. Good luck. I actually have some that is living finally, outside, where I completely forget about it. Last summer once or twice I saw it looking like it was drying up so watered it, and it was fine.

But I think if I'd have 'mothered it' it would have died for sure. I also think that once cactus starts rotting, there may be nothing you can do, and it might be too late. Good luck! And if you try this, and it helps, please post back so we know it's valid. :)

Fedexgrunt

August 1, 20170 found this helpful

I'm trying that as well. I have cactus and succulent food. I gave my yellowing cactus some food. And I'm gonna chill on the watering. Thx for the info.

Linda

February 12, 20111 found this helpful

My dad always said don't water cacti unless it is raining in the Arizona desert.

yuyicabrera

October 24, 20170 found this helpful

I live in AZ and this monsoon season was not much on my side of town. I'm having the same trouble with a couple of mine (yellowing) . This is my second summer here so I'm learning.

My prickly pear that's in direct sun all day is dry brown and yellow at the base! Tonight it's still in the 90s so I'm thinking too much sun and heat.

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