Help! My once healthy cactus has started to drop a lot of...
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Hi Stefan, I’m sorry your cactus is dropping branches. At this time of year- Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus are usually dormant. Lots of folks put them in a dark place and don’t water much at all until around October. But then there’s me- who has all 6 of mine on my east facing back patio where they get the morning sun and shade from around 2pm on. I water every 7-10 days- but I make sure th soil is pretty dry half way down before watering (depending on the Texas heat). My question is how often are you watering? They don’t like wet feet. All of mine are in draining pots with soil I mix myself- 50% cactus/succulent soil with 50% perlite and orchid bark. That helps with drainage. Those branches look pretty healthy. Has there been a severe temperature shift in R.I.? A lot of times they will drop from environmental stress. Dropping branches is the plant conserving energy when they can’t properly take up water, or shocked by its surroundings. Could also be pests- can you see any? Also, how long have you had it and how long has it been in that pot?
@SillyPlantGirl thanks for writing back. first, thanks for your service and it looks like you have a beautiful plant garden.
I’ve had my cactus in that pot for about a year in succulent soil. I water it every 2-3 weeks or so. It’s always been very hardy and grown well.
From what you’re telling me I think it dropped branches from stress. We’ve had some hot days in RI lately and I installed a window ac unit in the same room as the plant (it’s not directly hitting the plant but definitely cools the room down dramatically).
I’m going to move its spot in the hopes a more consistent temp will help it
I’ve had my cactus in that pot for about a year in succulent soil. I water it every 2-3 weeks or so. It’s always been very hardy and grown well.
From what you’re telling me I think it dropped branches from stress. We’ve had some hot days in RI lately and I installed a window ac unit in the same room as the plant (it’s not directly hitting the plant but definitely cools the room down dramatically).
I’m going to move its spot in the hopes a more consistent temp will help it
@Selvadestef I took the guess work out of watering and bought a water meter. Mine was maybe $10 and measures water, light, and pH. You can get them online and in garden stores.
