Question

Prickly Pear   QUESTION: I recently cut a pad from a prickly pear and planted it. It has been in the pot for about 2 months under artificial lighting and doing well. Recently it started growing 2 new pads out of the top, but I am now noticing that the top of the pad is turning a bit yellow and shriveling up. Anything I can do. Wondered if it is from the stress of the 2 new pads starting to grow from the top. (The dotted black line in picture is from a marker I used to mark the spread of the withering). Thanks!

ANSWER: Hello Wayne,
The new buds are okay, but the yellow parts is not. Can you tell me the soil type and how much you water it?

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QUESTION: The soil is miracle grow potting mix. I have been watering it every 2 weeks. It takes the soil about 3-5 days to dry out after watering. The yellow part of the cactus is really hard almost like the tissue inside has dried up.

Answer
Hello Wayne,
This is strange; I've never seen something happen like this. You may be right, the cactus buds may be taking energy away. If you give it plenty of light, this shouldn't of happened. What lighting are you using? Since this is a prickly pear cutting that has now rooted, I strongly suggest you take it outside where it will recieve direct sunlight for atleast 5 hours.