Question
QUESTION: Hi Will
I recently bought a small coral cactus which I love.
It came in a 2" pot and looked great, but now over the last month I see it has developed a "scab" looking brown spot on the main
leaf area.  I have it indoors, where it can get full sun for couple hours a day and then indirect sunlight.  I live in Washington State.  Temlp inside house is kept at 68 degrees.
Can you tell me what I am doing wrong?  It looks like the cactus body or leaf is trying to spit at the brown spot area.  I water maybe 1 or 2 times a month--little water.
Thank you for your help.
I really love this plant with it's pink ridge that borders the top of the plant.

ANSWER: Hi Janette,

Without a photo it is hard to know just what it is that you are observing. A small brownish patch may be normal and nothing to be concerned about. A larger dry brown patch on the stem can result from physical bruising, sudden exposure to cold or under watering. Soft brown patches usually occur closer to the soil and are a sign of rot, usually due to over watering.

I suggest that you move your Coral Cactus to your sunniest windowsill where it will get direct sunlight for most of the day. Because it is in a small pot (and should stay in that pot), a thorough watering every 7-10 days is probably appropriate.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I wish I had a photo for you--but I don't.
The brown spot was located on the main "leaf looking or pad looking" part of the cactus.  It came on very fast and grew larger overnight---it ate through the fleshy part of the cactus and then started to "dry" up.
Now it looks like a dried up hole in the cactus.  Could I have over-watered?  Have I lost this plantzzzzzz/  There are no brown spots on the stem

Answer
Hi Janette,

I don't think you will lose your Coral Cactus nor do I think you have overwatered it, unless the pot has no drain hole. I do think you have probably allowed it to get too dry. As soon as the surface of the soil feels dry, it must be watered thoroughly until water runs through the drain hole.

Although the hole will remain, I don't think you will have additional deterioration if you provide good light and ample water.

~Will