Question
imag0064
I have a cactus that is 14 year old. got it at home depo. 3 " high now 60' high
,and the last two years it started to turn brown skin. does not look like soft rot.
I bring it in during winter in NJ.
AnswerDear Horacio.
You have a couple of lovely Euphorbias - not cacti. The browning at the base of your plants is called corking and is part of the natural aging process of cactus and succulents.
As the cactus matures, the lower parts or base of the plant turns from smooth-green skin to a tough, brown, bark-like appearance. Corking starts from the base of the cactus and works up the plant. If a cactus is turning brown from the top down, or in spots on the side or in the middle, then it is not corking, but a real problem such as spider mite or sun burn.
Since corking is a natural part of cactus growth. There is nothing to treat. Just enjoy the beauty of a maturing plant.
Thanks for this good "problem"!
Maureen
Please rate my response. Thanks, and thanks for the photo.
