Cacti are some of the easiest succulents to care for. In fact, all they need is some sun, a sprinkle of water, and a soil that drains well.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to experience problems with your cacti. In this article, we discuss cactus root rot, and what you can do to stop it from happening. Let’s jump in…
Cactus Root Rot
It’s important for gardeners to understand the signs of cactus rot and how to prevent future problems. The main things to consider is the amount of water you’re giving your cactus. In fact, overwatering is the main cause of cactus root rot.
If you find that your cactus seems to be struggling or just not looking good, the first thing you should do is check for signs of root rot. Symptoms of cactus root rot include wilting, yellowing leaves and a general appearance of frailty with no other symptoms.
If such signs are present, it’s likely time to either re-pot or take drastic steps, such as cutting off most of the plant except for one strong healthy stem.
How to Save Cactus with Root Rot?
1) Remove it from the pot and check for any signs of root rot
2) Cut off some dead roots
3) Work sulfur into the base of the plant so that it will eat through any remaining healthy tissue or apply a fungicide to treat other types of fungus
4) Wait a few days for the wound to callus over. Callus formation can take a few days or weeks, depending on the thickness of the stem and weather conditions
5) Repot your cactus into more porous materials like sand, which may help absorb excess water as well as improving drainage
6) Don’t give any water to your plant for at least another few weeks. I like to ensure the top inch of the soil is dry before I give any more water to my cactus.
To prevent future problems: make sure you’re not overwatering your succulents! You should only need to water your cactus once every few months.
It is best to avoid letting your cactus’s soil get too soggy and wet by watering them less often, or better yet, sitting in a tray of room temperature water for an hour once a week.
How to Prevent Cactus from Root Rot?
A few things you can do to help prevent rot on your cactus include providing maximum light, watering regularly, and ensuring the soil has adequate drainage. Essentially, you want to replicate the natural environment for a cactus.
Growing your cactus inside? Use a pot with drainage holes at the bottom, otherwise water will accumulate at the base of your pot and could cause root rot.
Always use fast-draining soil with your cactus plant. This will ensure that water doesn’t sit in the soil for too long.
Watering less often is also another way to directly stop cactus root rot, as the water won’t drain fast enough from the pot. This can result in excess water sitting around the roots – causing them to rot.
The other thing you can do to prevent root rot on your cactus plant includes trimming the roots back from time-to-time. This will allow excess moisture to escape, and help keep air circulating around the base of the plant where it’s most likely to get wet.
How to Tell if a Cactus Has Root Rot?
There are a few signs to look for that might indicate your cactus has root rot. One of the most common indications is wilting during daylight hours. If you see this, take a closer look at the roots and soil in order to determine if there’s any sign of water damage or fungus present.
If you notice a cactus starting to smell, it may be a sign that the plant is rotting. The best thing to do is cut off the mushy part, which prevents more rot growth from occurring.
Final Thoughts
So, that’s what you need to know about cactus root rot. You might not be aware of it, but root rot can quickly kill a cactus. With these tips and tricks in hand, you’ll be able to save your plant from root rot!
Cactus root rot can be difficult or even impossible to recover from, and it’s important to stop the progression of the damage as soon as possible. The best way to do that is by ensuring the plant has enough water, and then checking for any signs of fungus or damage.
Also make sure your succulents get plenty of light each day; ideally they would receive between 18-24 hours per day! This will ensure healthy plants with strong immune systems that can fight root rot and other health issues.
A lot goes into keeping those sandy little friends green and happy, but don’t let all this information overwhelm you – take things one step at a time.
