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Posted 2Y ago by @emaemu

Anyone know why my cactus has started to get these light ...

#Echinopsis
7” pot with drainage
Last watered 2 years ago
@emaemu

Spots and discoloration on your cactus houseplant may be from improper watering. Watering from the bottom is preferred as splashing water on the cactus may cause unsightly markings.
I didn't know catus should be watered from the bottom. This information was helpful to me mine as all seem fine but I'll try your suggestion. Oh does this apply to a snake plant or can I continue to water from the top?
Light green on these may be from overwatering. Can you tell us what kind of soil you are using and how much water you are giving it when you do water? Are the light green parts soft? If so, you are overwatering it. Reduce the amount of water since it has extremely shallow roots. Remember that cacti are desert plants and store their own water supply. They usually go four to six weeks without water and when they do get water, it’s a very very small amount, especially when indoors because they get indirect light.

If you see any sign of the yellowing getting lighter over the next few days, pull the plant from the soil and set it on a paper towel, gently pulling the soil away from the roots. Let it alone about a week to let the roots and flesh dry out. You’ll need to stop watering to see if it can recover. But if it progresses, you’ll need to cut off any parts that are getting lighter in an attempt to save the parts that are still firm.


Cacti are resilient without water. More than we think. At any time, I’ve let cacti go months without water and they are fine. Succulents are different since they are smaller in stems and foliage. Cacti are hardier and can definitely go without watering as much.

Please keep us posted so we can help and know how it’s going. Good luck!
@FitSedum the soil is cacti & succulent soil? The light green parts aren’t soft, more kind of wrinkly? I’ve never watered it less than 6 weeks apart though usually longer.. it’s on a south facing windowsill with direct light.. I will keep a close eye on it and do as you’ve said if it starts to worsen.. thank you 🙏🏼
@emaemu Thank you for responding. Is it succulent soil straight out of the bag or was it amended with anything? I have a San Pedro (several that aren’t in my oasis as many others aren’t yet due to find restraints). I amended the soil with volcanic lava rock (pumice) to help it drain much faster than the non-amended succulent soil. Wrinkling and lighter coloring may mean corking which means it’s older flesh which may be needed as the plant grows taller for support. I have two larger San Pedro that are both crested and they both had lighter spots. It turns out they were growing and corking to support their own height and weight at the bottom. It sounds weird but it could be what is happening here. Please keep an eye but don’t stress. I’ve learned that a lot of what we worry over is part of their natural process.