Cactus Woes

[Neal]

Hi friends,

I have a little problem with a specific variety of cactus I am trying to grow. See here:

I am not sure of the exact variety of cactus, it closely resembles ficus indica, but it is not as sturdy. These stressed pads feel leathery and you can see how venous they look.

I have about 10 different plants of this type and they all appear like this. My neighbor has a 10 foot tall plant of the same variety and even hers looks stressed.

I feel like I water mine a lot (maybe every other day) and I know she never waters hers, so I think I can rule out over/under watering. I have these plants in all different areas of my lot so I am inclined to rule out soil/nutrient issues.

My best guess is that this type is more susceptible to the heat than my other varieties. This pad seems to have a softer exterior than other types, but I have a lot of cochenillifera which seems to be just as soft but all my plants of that type are growing strong.

Anyway, I just wanted to see if anyone out there has any other thoughts on the matter or could provide some additional insight.

 

[Tom]

Shade.

I have the same thing here, and that type does better with dappled shade almost like other succulents like Jade plants.

My stands that are out in the open look like yours all summer. My stands that are planted in the shade of some trees look great.

You could have seen this for yourself if you'd made the time to come for a visit… I'm just sayin'…

 

[Neal]

OK, that was my thought for moving forward to see if it would make a difference. I have a big mesquite tree I could put some pads under and hopefully that will make them grow pretty.

Yeah I know, someday I'd like make it up to you. We try to get to CA every other year to hang out with Mickey Mouse so perhaps sometime next summer.

 

[Yvonne G]

That's what a cactus looks like when it's not getting enough water. Might be the roots have rotted and are no longer supporting the needs of the plant.

 

[Neal]

That's what a cactus looks like when it's not getting enough water. Might be the roots have rotted and are no longer supporting the needs of the plant.

I did a long soak and they have perked up ever so slightly, so perhaps this does factor in somewhere and I wasn't as good as I thought I was. I'm sure the < 100 degree temperatures has helped as well.

 

[Tom]

I build large basins around the bottom of each cactus stand. In summer I fill each basin once or twice a week. You might need to do it every other day in your area. If you let a hose just trickle into the basin it will really soak in well.