I remember the time when I first got my cactus. It was a cute little guy with spines that looked almost like fuzzy hair. I thought to myself, “This should be easy. Just a little water now and then, and we’ll be good to go.”
But as it turned out, I was wrong. I learned the hard way that too much water can kill a cactus. So I overwatered it, not realizing the damage I was causing until it was too late. My heart sank as I watched my once vibrant cactus slowly wither away.
After that experience, I made a vow to myself never to let it happen again. So I researched and learned how to care for my cacti properly. Now, I’ve kept my cactus alive and healthy for years.
So if you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t worry. It’s not too late to revive your cactus. In this post, I’ll share tips on bringing your overwatered cactus to life. So let’s start and keep those spiky friends thriving for years!
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What Happens When Your Cactus Dying
It can be a real bummer when your cactus shows signs of dying. From withering flowers to changes in color or texture, it can be hard to watch your beloved plant struggle.
But don’t give up hope just yet – there are things you can do to help!
Wimpy Flowers
One of the saddest sights is a cactus flower that withers away without fully blooming.
These buds require a lot of energy from the cactus to produce, so it’s no wonder that some species with big flowers relative to their size might give up before they can fully bloom.
Meanwhile, other cacti may throw in the towel and ditch the flowers, feeling too tired to keep up the good fight.
Dead or Dying Parts
While we often hear that cacti are nearly indestructible, a surprising number of things can cause them to bite the dust.
If you notice your cactus looking discolored, faded, or squishy – even if it’s been blooming like a champ until now – it’s time to take action.
So, what can you do to save your struggling cactus? Keep reading to find out!
How to Revive A Dying Cactus Due to Improper Watering
Your once plump and healthy cactus is now looking deflated and squishy. But don’t worry; this may be happening for several reasons, and with the proper care, you can nurse your cactus back to health.
If your cactus is shriveling and turning light in color, it may be due to a lack of water. Like our skin, a dehydrated cactus will feel dry to the touch.
On the other hand, if your cactus is bloated and sagging, it may be overwatered and suffering from root rot. This condition can cause the roots to rot and lead to a loss of firmness in the cactus.
But fear not! With early detection and proper care, your cactus can fully recover. Then, depending on the symptoms, you can use several methods to revive your prickly friend.
So, let’s dive into these methods and get your cactus back to its former glory.
Lack of Water
If you notice your cactus is shriveling up and looking sad, it could be due to a lack of water. Don’t fret, though! With just enough water, your cactus will perk up and return to its spunky self in no time.
Just be sure to check the weather forecast and water on sunny days, as weather can affect the amount of water your cactus needs.
When watering, give your cactus a good soak until water flows out of the bottom of the pot. And don’t forget to place it in a well-ventilated spot with plenty of sunshine.
Just be careful not to let it get too much direct sunlight, or your cactus might get a nasty sunburn. Trust me; I’ve learned this the hard way.
Too Much Water Leads to Root Rot
If you’re overzealous with the watering can or drench your cactus with liquid fertilizers, you might end up suffocating the roots with excess water.
This creates the perfect environment for fungi to grow and can lead to root rot. We don’t want that!
Repotting alone won’t do the trick – you’ll need to cut off any parts affected by fungi and replant in well-drained soil.
Mix up some potting soil, coarse sand or gravel, perlite or pumice soil, and compost to create the perfect environment for your cactus to thrive.
How To Spot A Cactus With Root Rot
We’ve covered the causes of root rot in cacti, but how can you tell if your precious plant has fallen victim to this disease?
Since we can’t exactly take a peek at the roots, you’ll have to rely on some visual cues to spot the signs of root rot.
- First, if you notice any changes in the appearance of your cactus, such as a leaning or a wrinkled surface, it may be a sign of root rot. Even if the cactus still looks healthy on the surface, it could be rotten from the inside out. To check for this, gently touch your cactus and see if it feels soft or squishy.
- Another telltale sign of root rot is a color change. If your cactus starts to look dull or discolored, it could be a sign that something’s not quite right. Keep a close eye on the color of your cactus and look out for any changes.
Reviving a Cactus with Root Rot: Quick Action is Key!
Time is of the essence when it comes to rooting rot in cacti. If left unchecked, the situation can quickly worsen. Luckily, you can revive a cactus showing signs of root rot with a few key steps.
Step 1: Cut Away the Rotten Parts
The first step in reviving a cactus with root rot is to remove the affected parts. Carefully remove the cactus from its pot, gently shake off the soil, and cut away any black or yellowed sections.
Use disinfected, sharp cutting tools to avoid stressing the cactus.
Step 2: Disinfect and Dry the Cut Surface
Once the rotten parts are removed, it’s important to disinfect and dry the cut surface.
Use 70% isopropyl alcohol or alcohol-based wet wipes to disinfect the area, and then expose the cactus to sunlight for around 30 minutes to dry.
Be sure to measure the time to avoid overexposure. Afterward, wrap the cactus in newspaper and dry it thoroughly in a shady, well-ventilated spot.
Step 3: Repotting
After the cut surface is dry, it’s time to repot the cactus. Again, use fresh soil, as putting the cactus back into the old soil can cause the roots to rot again.
Keep an eye on the cactus for about a week and start watering when the roots are firmly established. Be mindful of the amount of water to avoid root rot from recurring.
How to Bring Your Dying Cactus Back to Life
If you thought your cactus was a goner, think again! You can bring your beloved plant back to life with a little bit of magic – and some sharp cutting tools. Here’s how:
1- Cutting Off Dead Parts
If your cactus looks dead than alive, it’s time to bust out the cutting tools.
First, dig up the cactus and start snipping away until you reach a point where there’s no sign of decay or discoloration. Make sure to leave the center raised for optimal healing.
2- Soaking Up the Sun
Next, give your cactus a good dose of sunlight – but be careful not to overdo it! About 30 minutes of exposure should do the trick, but any longer could cause damage.
3- Drying Things Out
After sunbathing, it’s time to let your cactus dry out thoroughly. Give it about a week if it’s on the smaller side or up to a month if it’s a giant plant. After that, just keep it in a cool, shady spot with plenty of ventilation.
4- Rooting for Your Cactus
Once your cactus is all dried out, it’s time to start rooting for it. First, wrap it up in newspaper with the cross-section facing down and wait about a week for a small cactus or a month for a larger one.
5- Back in Action
Finally, it’s time to replant your cactus in some fresh, well-drained soil and watch it spring back to life! It’s like a zombie resurrection but without any brain-eating involved.
Is A Cactus That Is Turning Brown Dead?
If you’ve noticed your cactus taking on a brownish hue, don’t despair – but don’t brush it off. This discoloration is your plant’s way of sending an SOS signal that something isn’t right.
Specifically, as mentioned in the previous section, it could be a sign of root rot.
Now, if your cactus only shows early signs of browning, there’s no need to panic. But you should take action to help it out before things get worse.
How to keep your cactus from dying?
Cacti are like little bundles of joy – but if you’re not careful, they can quickly turn into sad, withered things.
Knowing how to care for your prickly pals properly is essential. Here are some tips to help keep your cactus happy and healthy:
- Watering: Don’t overdo it! Unlike other plants, cacti need their soil completely dry before watering. A good rule of thumb is to water once every two weeks during the growing season (spring and fall) and once a month during the dormant season (summer and winter).
- Sunlight: Cacti are sun worshippers – so make sure your little green buddies get plenty of rays. If you’re growing them indoors, put them in a sunny spot.
- Variety is the spice of life: There are many kinds of cacti out there – from cute and cuddly to strange and unique. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and try growing different types!
- Don’t let them die: It might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating: if you want your cactus to thrive, you must take care of it properly. That means not overwatering just because it’s cute and not neglecting it because you think it doesn’t need much water. And if your cactus starts to wither, don’t give up hope – try adjusting its environment, replanting it, and giving it the care it needs to bounce back.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a cactus whisperer in no time!