Opuntia drooping and growing very long, thin new shoots
Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some advice about my Opuntia.
The plant sits right in front of a north-facing window, so it gets plenty of indirect daylight but little to no direct sunlight.
Recently I’ve noticed that:
the larger pads are drooping downwards rather than staying upright;
some of the pads have become quite pale green;
most importantly, the new growth is extremely long, thin and almost string-like, instead of developing into normal broad, flat pads.
Could this be etiolation due to insufficient light, even though the plant is right next to the window? Or could the pot size, soil or watering also be contributing to the problem?
Would you recommend moving it somewhere with more direct sunlight? And should I remove the long, thin new growth or leave it on the plant?
Thanks so much for any advice!
The plant sits right in front of a north-facing window, so it gets plenty of indirect daylight but little to no direct sunlight.
Recently I’ve noticed that:
the larger pads are drooping downwards rather than staying upright;
some of the pads have become quite pale green;
most importantly, the new growth is extremely long, thin and almost string-like, instead of developing into normal broad, flat pads.
Could this be etiolation due to insufficient light, even though the plant is right next to the window? Or could the pot size, soil or watering also be contributing to the problem?
Would you recommend moving it somewhere with more direct sunlight? And should I remove the long, thin new growth or leave it on the plant?
Thanks so much for any advice!
1
You’re spot on about the etiolation, I have been dealing with similar issue with one that I received from a friend that was in bad condition.
Your north window isn’t giving enough direct sunlight, you’ll want to gradually move it to a brighter location.
As for the leggy growth, it won’t bulk up ever. It’s best to just remove it. Any good looking pads, shape and such, can be propagated. The droopy pads once they get more light should perk back up and you’ll find new growth as well.
Your north window isn’t giving enough direct sunlight, you’ll want to gradually move it to a brighter location.
As for the leggy growth, it won’t bulk up ever. It’s best to just remove it. Any good looking pads, shape and such, can be propagated. The droopy pads once they get more light should perk back up and you’ll find new growth as well.
