Get your information about the war in Ukraine from CNN and other trusted sources!

#StandWithUkraine

Visitors to this site know that I normally don't get involved with political issues, but this is not normal.

Please help to support Ukraine against the bullying tactics of a huge neighboring country.

help id this sick looking plant and cactus

by mary
(Florida)

This plant needs help but what is it and what care does it need?

Older cactus was repotted and now seems to be dying. brown and splitting.

Comments for help id this sick looking plant and cactus

Click here to add your own comments

Sep 23, 2017

Cacti are not in my Zone of Genius
by: Jacki

Sorry I can't help with the ID on the cactus, they're just not my thing - however, if you overwatered it after repotting, this would explain the issues.

Stop watering it now.

This may just delay the inevitable, but it will give it the only chance of recovery.

Unfortunately, if it's hollow inside, this means it done.

The only other option you have now is to cut the top off, to just above the damage, and try to root it.

Again, don't water it.

Let it callous for several weeks, on top of some dry cactus soil. Then dibble a hole and set it upright in the soil.

Don't water it.

When you tug on it, if it's got roots, it won't move (wear gloves for this, or wrap it in several sheets of newspaper).

Once it has some roots, spray very lightly close to the stem.

Don't water it thoroughly until it's really established. Then give it one good drink, then not again for at least six months - seriously.

These plants don't need watering all the time. And, as I've said so many times, more light!

As for your other plant, it almost has the stem of a Draceana, or corn plant, but it also needs more light. If you can't give it more natural light, get a grow light

Sep 24, 2017

Thanks
by: mary

Thanks. I just can't seem to get the light right. I am going to get some grow lights per your suggestion.

Sep 24, 2017

Bring on the light!
by: Jacki

Good call, Mary! You'll find it makes such a difference.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Ask the Horticulturist.