My cactus looks like an old pumpkin from last Halloween: ...
2” pot with drainage
Last watered 10 months ago
9
Rather than watering on any type of schedule or with any specific amount, only water it when the soil has completely dried out. Since cacti are so prone to rot, bottom watering is best. Just put it in a saucer or dish that comes up at least an inch on the sides, fill dish with water, and the soil will suck up the water. Dump out any remaining water after 30 min.
I'd also recommend repotting it. Commercial growers use very moisture retaining soil, which isn't a good long-term choice for cacti. Plastic pots aren't the best choice either, since they're non-porous they hold onto moisture. For the soil, I'd suggest getting some specifically made for succulents/cacti and adding in extra perlite (the little white styrofoam balls you see in most potting mixes). Mix them 3 parts soil, 1 part perlite. Terracotta pots are the best choice for cacti since they're porous and allow the soil to dry out faster. Make sure the new pot isn't more than 2-3" bigger than its current pot (putting plants in pots that are too big can lead to overwatering and root rot).
I'd also recommend repotting it. Commercial growers use very moisture retaining soil, which isn't a good long-term choice for cacti. Plastic pots aren't the best choice either, since they're non-porous they hold onto moisture. For the soil, I'd suggest getting some specifically made for succulents/cacti and adding in extra perlite (the little white styrofoam balls you see in most potting mixes). Mix them 3 parts soil, 1 part perlite. Terracotta pots are the best choice for cacti since they're porous and allow the soil to dry out faster. Make sure the new pot isn't more than 2-3" bigger than its current pot (putting plants in pots that are too big can lead to overwatering and root rot).
One more thing...your plant card says it's 4.5 feet from a southeast-facing window. Cacti MUST have direct sunlight to thrive. Insufficient light can also increase the chance of root rot. A west or south-facing window is best, since they need at least 4-6 hours of direct light a day. If you don't have a window where it can get sufficient light, you might consider looking into a grow light.
@SelectTutsan62 replant her to a bigger and shallow pot
Only bottom water her
Wait till she's completely dry
These definitely don't need much watering
Only bottom water her
Wait till she's completely dry
These definitely don't need much watering
I agree with everything everyone has said. I have quite a few cacti and they’re all in terracotta planters. I mix my own soil- cactus/succulent mix from Home Depot with a 50/50 mixture of perlite and very coarse sand- it drains very well. (In my hand is coarse sand) And all of mine live on my back patio (east facing) and get direct sun from 7am to 5 pm (house provides shade after that. ). If indoors is a must for you- you will definitely need grow light.
If it’s by a ac unit… this could be one of the reasons why