skip to main content

Cacti & Succulents House Plants

What happened to my cacti?

Hannah Wardrope

7 years ago

I've been caring for cacti for 6 years and I've never seen anything like this. It was fine a week ago - the one on the right had a little split from overwatering, but it was all taken care of. I left for a week, and when I came home it was like this. I can only assume the person I left in charge of my cacti did something wrong while I was away, otherwise I don't understand how this could have happened.

For reference, my 12 other cacti that are all housed on the same windowsill are absolutely fine. It's just this one that turned out like this.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

Stush2049 Pitts. PA, zone 6
7 years ago
OVERWATERED?
Matt Barnett
7 years ago
I second that diagnosis.
Related Professionals
Woburn Landscape Contractors · Americus Landscape Contractors · Bridgeport Landscape Contractors · Emmaus Landscape Contractors · Galveston Landscape Contractors · Muttontown Landscape Contractors · North Ridgeville Landscape Contractors · Canandaigua General Contractors · Pepper Pike General Contractors · Clermont Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Edmond Landscape Contractors · Little Ferry Landscape Contractors · Miller Place Landscape Contractors · West Chester Landscape Contractors · New Providence Interior Designers & Decorators
Andrea ME z5b
7 years ago
If it was already split from overwatering, the damaged tissue probably just dried up. You can probably just trim the ragged tissue off and it'll just callous over as long as it's watered properly. I know it's disappointing when this happens but I think it just adds character.
SpanishFly - (Mediterranean)
7 years ago
You left someone ´in charge´ for a week. To do what?

If I go away for a week I arrange for the cat to be fed, but NOBODY goes near my plants - they are on the roof behind a locked grille, and manage very well on their own.
Stush2049 Pitts. PA, zone 6
7 years ago
Yes for me as well except for all of my wife's hanging baskets. They seem to need watering every day. That's why I love succulents. Could go weeks with out anything.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Meet the Mighty Saguaro of the Desert Landscape

By Karen Peterson

You’ve seen its form in films, on souvenirs and much more. Now get to know this iconic cactus of the Sonoran Desert

LIFE Retirement Reinvention: Boomers Plot Their Next Big Move

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Choosing a place to settle in for the golden years? You're not alone. Where boomers are going and what it might look like

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How to Create a Cottage-Style Garden

By Claudia De Yong Garden Design

If you like an abundance of plants — and visits from birds, bees and butterflies — this may be the style of yard for you

GARDENING GUIDES Don’t Let These Excuses Keep You From Gardening

By Steve Asbell

Stop blaming your lack of experience, space, time and funds, and get on with the joy of garden making

GARDENING GUIDES How to Design a Garden That Lasts

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Climates are changing. Wildlife is evolving. Can your garden keep up?

GARDENING GUIDES 7 Ecofriendly Gardening Ideas That Also Cut Chore Time

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Spend less time weeding, less money watering and more moments just sitting back and enjoying your healthy garden

EVENTS Design Calendar: Jan. 20-Feb. 10, 2012

Las Vegas Market, Austin Modern Home Tour and more: See what's on the Houzz list of things to see and do

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: A Relaxed Retro Feel on the Australian Coast

By Tamara Armstrong

A spacious 1970s beach house gets a colorful retro makeover with vintage finds

HOUSEPLANTS 10 Top Plants to Grow Indoors

Brighten a room and clean the air with a houseplant that cascades artfully, stretches toward the ceiling or looks great on a wall

HOUSEPLANTS 8 Houseplants You Can't Kill

By J. Peterson Garden Design

They're forgiving and let you forget. Houseplants don't get any easier than this

Sponsored

25 Reviews

Loudoun County, VA's Top Handyman Service | Best of Houzz 2018-2019

More Discussions

Help! Does this succulent appear healthy?

5

Plumeria at Cote D'Azur, France

1

Would anyone like to share pictures of their Jades with us ?

1

How do you keep track of your plant collection?

2

Is there anything wrong with this cactus?

1