Question
I have a new Coral Cactus and have it in a large pot with some unusual succulents. I have been watering it, along with the other plants about once a week. Since I bought it, it has been getting some reddish-brown spots on it, almost like rust. Also, I have it outside where it gets direct sunlight for about half the day. My 2 questions are: 1) Am I watering it too much? and 2) Is it getting too much direct sunlight? The other plants in the pot are thriving!
Thanks for your help,
Kathy

Answer
Kathy,
Probably watering too frequently.

Mother Nature doesn't water on a set schedule. Depending on plant types, sunlight exposure and pot size plants will need water at many different rates from once a day to once a month or more.

Cacti and other succulents usually die from too frequent watering (or letting stay dry too long#. You want to make sure they go dry between waterings. They do rot out easily if kept too wet. Water your plant based on how much it weighs when thoroughly watered VS when they are ready to be watered again. Plants die from too frequent waterings, not from how much water you give them at one time. Pick the pot up and feel how heavy it is after watering it thoroughly. Don't water it again until it feels considerably lighter and the soil top of the soil is light in color.
Direct sunlight #especially morning sun) is good for most plants. Cacti love light.
Clean the dead plant parts out as the appear...
Hope this helps.
Rick in southern NJ