Caint really tell on my tiny phone screen ,could just be stained from being planted , if its soft to the touch then its rot ,and with a top like it has ,it would start leaning pretty fast also if rot, probally needs some water though ,could just be drying up ,give it a drink

I can't imagine any rot if it hasnt been watered for months. But then I don't know the plant (or it's care needs), what soil/mix you have it in and if the pot has a drainage hole. Also if you're in a tropical climate. If there is any black squishy bits, particularly on the bottom of the stem, be very likely to be rot. The only bit of the stem I can see is quite dark. Could you tell us what it feels like and show us a photo of the stem?

Could be problems started before you got it?

Sorry for the late reply! Yes the stem is hard but the color of the cactus has become a lighter green a bit yellow as well. I’ve added more photos to show what I presume to be rotting. (It’s black and soft.)

Sorry victoria. Tried to post yesterday but internet was playing up.

The photos haven't come through unfortunately. Your plant is obviously sick, but we need more information. I'm glad the stem hard, rot usually shows first on the stem.

If you could give some more information on the questions I asked, that would be great. I know it gets overwhelming, but it's a great learning curve too :-) I'll repeat the questions in an easier format, plus ask a few more.

What soil/mix is plant in.

Does the pot have a drainage hole.

How do you water. Eg mist / spray, hose, jug. And does the water come out the drainage hole.

Is it inside/outside.

How much sun does it get. Eg about 4 hours direct sun, 3 hours filtered sun and 4 hours shaded bright light. Just a rough guess will do.

Where / what country your in and your climate. Or look up your countrys hardiness zone and put that and your country with your name.

I won't tell you all the why's, it would probably be longer than this post lol. But I'd be happy to if you'd like me too ;-)

Hi Helen! Sorry for not having answered the other questions.

I'm not sure what soil it is in. I didn't plant it myself, it came with the soil. I'll check when I go home later in the day what it looks like. But there is sufficient drainage as there are stones on top.

The pot does have drainage holes, and I watered it the other day with a hose and left it outside so it would get more direct sunlight. The water came out of the drainage, but I should probably note that was the first time. Before, when I watered it, it would never leave the drainage.

Unfortunately, the stem has become more black. I think sunlight may be the issue.It's been indoors since I got it. So it possibly does not receive enough sunlight. It used to get maybe about 4 hours of filtered sun, but I moved about a month ago. Now, It doesn't get sun really at all.

I'm living in Beirut, Lebanon. I've seen this cactus all around the city. So I believe that it does thrive here.

Thank you Helen!

Often, or usually, when we get a potted succulent / cactus, it comes in soil that is not good for the plant. It can already be dying from rot, but doesn't show above the soil for a while.

Imagine the plant's natural habitat. Usually hot, full sun, dry, lots of drainage in rocky ground with little nutrients. When it rains it often floods, then dries out quickly and completely until next time.

Not all succulents have the same care needs, but a lot are very similar.

Then we "intelligent" humans take home a succulent stick it in a pot filled with rich, water holding soil, sometimes with no drainage hole and water until it rots. Lol

I could be wrong, hope, but I think you're plant isn't going to make it. Personally I think that it started before you got it, then not watering held it back for a while longer.

But don't chuck it because of me, I hope I'm completely wrong ;-)

oh no! But i've had it since January and nothing seemed to be an issue. How do I revive it? Can I cut a piece off and regrow it?

That's a long time for rot not to show, so maybe I am wrong, that would be great!

I forgot to tell you that I couldn't see enough in your much better photos because of the natural shadows.

Personally, if it can be done with this plant, I would root a piece of it. Also I would start another thread asking if this plant can be propagated.

Explain I suggested starting another thread on propagating.

Hopefullythe cactus lovers (ugh) with their experience tell you it can be done and walk you through it.

I will follow with interest :-)

Thanks for the advice! Will do

Victoria

You said: "I watered it the other day with a hose and left it outside so it would get more direct sunlight." It is possible that since it was not used to much light, it got burned. Would you say that there was qutie a bit of difference between the light it is normally in and light where you put it?

There could be more than one issue with plant - possibly rot and also sunburn.

Succulents need much more light than 4hrs of filtered sunlight, but should be acclimatized. Keeping succulent in dark is not good for plant either. And they generally grow better if outdoors - in appropriate weather.

Your soil may be a culprit too. If my plant, I would take it out of the pot. Clean up all old soil and check the roots - they could be dried up or rotten - or hopefully, OK. Take clear, close up photos of roots and post.

Will do, thanks Rina!

If I cut off the rotted parts of the cactus at the top, would that hurt?

Thanks Rina, planning to operate tomorrow morning! One last question sorry if it is repetitive. Since my cactus seems to be rotting at both the top and bottom, it is ok to cut both ends?

Personally I don't think there's any choice. Whatever's rotting has to go also pot and soil.

You need to get rid of all rot, so whatever is rotting, needs to be cut off. If you cut both ends, don't forget which end is up! :)

I think this is euphorbia, not a cactus. Euphorbias bleed white sap - latex. Some ppl are allergic to it & could develop dermatitis. Others are not bothered by it. Regardless if you are or not, make sure you don't get any sap in or around your eyes - it will hurt if you do. Wear gloves. Also have a bowl of cold water and/or spray bottle ready. Dunk or spray cut ends in it to slow down 'bleeding'.

Cut ends should be left to callus before potting up. That may take a day or few. Lay them on some newspaper, out of direct sun.

You should take photos of what you doing for further reference and also post if you are not sure.