Question
Plant Base
Hi All.
I really hope you can help me. I have had my cactus for about two years now and it has been fine without problems. I noticed today that the plant appeared drooping and slightly yellow one side, when I turned it round to take a better look the whole stem was yellow and brittle the other side. And when I tried to reposition the plant the stem snapped, have removed it now as is clearly dead.
Not sure how long it has been like this or what has gone wrong.
I have managed to salvage three of the branches which I hope to replant. I have attached pictures to help if possible.
Answer
Hi,
First, that's not a cactus, it's a succulent, I believe a Euphorbia. The spines aren't cactus spines. It looks likes it's gotten some fungus and sometimes they just desiccate the roots and leaves. The best thing to do is what you've already done - replant the branches you've cut off. make sure there is no evidence of the rot. Cut to above that white stuff until you see green, healthy tissue. Let that callous, repot and mist till it roots.
The soil doesn't look too good either. You need to dispose of it. Don't reuse it in anyway. When the new plants root you can put them all in one pot with well draining soil or keep separate. Remember that they like to be crowded. I think even when your plant was healthy your pot was too big.
When you throw this plant out, look at the roots so you know what roots shouldn't look like and see if there's water at the bottom of the pot.
Read up on succulents. They care is slightly different than the care of cactus.
