My cactus is sick
My cactus started having this color that started spreading gradually since a couple of moths and it looks like this now:
If it’s sick how can I stop it from getting worse? Also is this damage irreversible?
#Cactus
If it’s sick how can I stop it from getting worse? Also is this damage irreversible?
#Cactus
5” pot with drainage
Last watered 3 years ago
8
Best Answer
What is cactus corking?
Cactus corking is a process that involves the change in color and texture of a cactus that results directly from the aging process but also how weathered a cactus is.
Naturally over time a cactus will begin to cork in an effort to provide a solid base of support for future growth.
Think of it almost as a self building foundation.
Pretty cool huh.
When cacti cork, they slowly build a bark like structure starting from the base of the plant and go straight up all around it for a varied amount depending on the cactus.
It resembles a cork like structure hence the name, cactus corking.
Although it may appear odd that a green cactus is turning brown, it is nothing to be worried about, that is if it is actually corking and not turning brown for other unhealthy reasons such as rot.
So if your cactus is corking, it just means it is preparing itself for new growth and wants to make sure it can hold it’s own weight and won’t fall over.
How to tell the difference
The biggest way to tell if your cactus is corking or rot is by touching the brown area of the plant.
If the area feels firm to the touch and almost bark like then the cactus is most certainly corking.
Also this process is pretty slow so if you notice a giant brown area appear overnight then this is not the case and something is actually wrong.
If something like that has happened to your cactus then odds are it could be rot, sunburn, freezing temperatures or other factors.
If the cactus feels soft or mushy to the touch and is brown then you most likely have rot on your hands and you should check the roots for damage.
So to sum it up, bark like structure that is firm and slowly growing up your cactus then this is corking, anything else is not.
I gotta this information here
https://succulentexperience.com/cactus-corking/
Cactus corking is a process that involves the change in color and texture of a cactus that results directly from the aging process but also how weathered a cactus is.
Naturally over time a cactus will begin to cork in an effort to provide a solid base of support for future growth.
Think of it almost as a self building foundation.
Pretty cool huh.
When cacti cork, they slowly build a bark like structure starting from the base of the plant and go straight up all around it for a varied amount depending on the cactus.
It resembles a cork like structure hence the name, cactus corking.
Although it may appear odd that a green cactus is turning brown, it is nothing to be worried about, that is if it is actually corking and not turning brown for other unhealthy reasons such as rot.
So if your cactus is corking, it just means it is preparing itself for new growth and wants to make sure it can hold it’s own weight and won’t fall over.
How to tell the difference
The biggest way to tell if your cactus is corking or rot is by touching the brown area of the plant.
If the area feels firm to the touch and almost bark like then the cactus is most certainly corking.
Also this process is pretty slow so if you notice a giant brown area appear overnight then this is not the case and something is actually wrong.
If something like that has happened to your cactus then odds are it could be rot, sunburn, freezing temperatures or other factors.
If the cactus feels soft or mushy to the touch and is brown then you most likely have rot on your hands and you should check the roots for damage.
So to sum it up, bark like structure that is firm and slowly growing up your cactus then this is corking, anything else is not.
I gotta this information here
https://succulentexperience.com/cactus-corking/
Just be careful not to overwater indoors. A soil moisture meter can really help. Corking is normal but you want to make sure it doesn’t stay wet for too long. You’ll see cacti once they get really old will turn into wood tree trunks at the base eventually. It’s crazy how they turn that way to support the weight as it gets big. You can see extreme corking in these pics
@SirLiquorice That’s really surprising, I didn’t know a thing about cactus Croking… Thanks for the tip!