This plant seems sad. Any tips on what I should change? S...
10” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 month ago
7
@PrizeGuanacaste Crispy leaves and few vertical stems on a Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera) can indicate a few potential issues, including light, humidity, or watering problems. The plant thrives in bright, indirect light, and too much direct sun can cause leaf scorch. Low humidity, especially during winter, can also lead to crispy leaves. Additionally, overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to yellowing, drooping, and a lack of new growth. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Light:
While Mistletoe Cacti can tolerate shade, they need bright, indirect light to grow and develop their characteristic hanging stems. Too much direct sun can burn the leaves, causing them to turn crispy and brown.
Humidity:
Mistletoe Cacti are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on other plants in humid, tropical environments. Low humidity, especially when indoors, can lead to crispy leaves. Watering:
Mistletoe Cacti are sensitive to wet soil and overwatering, which can lead to root rot. This can cause yellowing, drooping, and a lack of new growth. Underwatering can also cause leaves to shrivel and turn crispy.
Soil:
Mistletoe Cacti require well-draining soil to prevent root rot. If the soil is compacted or doesn't drain well, it can contribute to watering problems.
Vertical Growth:
Mistletoe Cacti tend to grow vertically when they are young and have ample sunlight. As they mature, they may develop longer, trailing stems, especially if they are not getting enough light. To address the issue, you can:
Adjust light conditions:
Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light, such as an east or north-facing window.
Increase humidity:
Consider misting the plant regularly, using a humidifier, or placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water.
Improve drainage:
Repot the plant in a well-draining cactus mix and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Adjust watering:
Water only when the top inch of soil is dry, and ensure the plant doesn't sit in soggy soil. Hope this helps, Happy Growing!!
Light:
While Mistletoe Cacti can tolerate shade, they need bright, indirect light to grow and develop their characteristic hanging stems. Too much direct sun can burn the leaves, causing them to turn crispy and brown.
Humidity:
Mistletoe Cacti are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on other plants in humid, tropical environments. Low humidity, especially when indoors, can lead to crispy leaves. Watering:
Mistletoe Cacti are sensitive to wet soil and overwatering, which can lead to root rot. This can cause yellowing, drooping, and a lack of new growth. Underwatering can also cause leaves to shrivel and turn crispy.
Soil:
Mistletoe Cacti require well-draining soil to prevent root rot. If the soil is compacted or doesn't drain well, it can contribute to watering problems.
Vertical Growth:
Mistletoe Cacti tend to grow vertically when they are young and have ample sunlight. As they mature, they may develop longer, trailing stems, especially if they are not getting enough light. To address the issue, you can:
Adjust light conditions:
Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light, such as an east or north-facing window.
Increase humidity:
Consider misting the plant regularly, using a humidifier, or placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water.
Improve drainage:
Repot the plant in a well-draining cactus mix and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Adjust watering:
Water only when the top inch of soil is dry, and ensure the plant doesn't sit in soggy soil. Hope this helps, Happy Growing!!
@Ms.Persnickety this looks like an AI response, though. Are you able to look at what I am actually doing and give any specific tips? The plant has not been moved from its original location.
@HolyAutumnonion I give it fertilizer with its water. No evidence of pests. Sun has been the same and is indirect. What would be a sign it needs repotting?
The change of seasons hasn’t changed its sun at all? I’m not sure what it’s like where you are but in Ontario I have to shift some of my plants around in Spring because the sun they got over the winter will now be too strong.
As for the repotting, I’m sorry, I don’t have a great answer for that one. Sometimes I’ll notice the soil just looks tired (not sure how else to explain 🤔). I doubt it needs a new pot, maybe just fresh soil 🤷🏻♀️
As for the repotting, I’m sorry, I don’t have a great answer for that one. Sometimes I’ll notice the soil just looks tired (not sure how else to explain 🤔). I doubt it needs a new pot, maybe just fresh soil 🤷🏻♀️
@PrizeGuanacaste Are the roots growing out of the pot, could the cactus be root bound? Is the soil only Orchid bark or have you supplemented it with other matter such as perlite and potting mix? The soil should be slightly acidic! Is that pot possibly too big for the size of the root ball? I have had my Cactus since June 2023, it was repotted once from a growers pot into a terracotta pot . first pic is 2023 the 2nd is from today, it might need a little trim but it’s growing exponentially. Btw I only use distilled water for my cacti and all my other plants. Not sure if this will help but 🤞that it does. Good Luck!!
@PrizeGuanacaste The AI response is only for the range of possibilities that could be causing the issues with your plant. Since I am not actually seeing the plant RT. Thus I cannot properly diagnose the plant, you do understand, ?