black tip on cactus

8 years ago

I just saw this on my potted cactus a couple of days ago -- I know there is etoliation (sp?) but this is quite an old cactus and my thought is to just let it do what it wants. In the summer it is out on the deck all day and I bring it in when it rains -- except for last week! I let it stay out in the rain because I figured one drenching was OK and it hadn't been recently watered. Otherwise I I water every two or three weeks. The thick woody stem to the left is 12 inches tall and supports another 12 inches of green growth that looks good to me. This is the same cactus that I posted under the title "My husband's cactus is dying" and I got so much help for it. The pot is so active and interesting to me even though I know it isn't glamorous like many cactus I see. Would you cut off that tip? What causes this? I appreciate any advice! Thanks!

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Comments (4)

Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Looks like rot or some fungus. I’m not sure, but it’s no bueno. Slice the black bits off with a very sharp clean knife. Cut at a slant so no rain will have a chance to pool up.

No black or brown should be in the flesh when you cut. If there is keep cutting. Keep dry while it forms a scab.
bleusblue2 thanked Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA
hellkitchenguy Manuel
8 years ago
I remember your original thread about this plant.
bleusblue2 thanked hellkitchenguy Manuel
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bleusblue2
Original Author
8 years ago
Yes Kara and Manuel -- I'll never forget the help I got here -- I was definitely desperate and unhappy. You are all so generous and I still refer back to the information in that thread -- I printed it out and also saved it on the computer. Before the days of the internet I'd have been in the library and that worked too. But here I got information AND moral support. Thanks again!
str Maguire (hardy zone 9a, outdoor succulen
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Is the tip mushy or dry? hard to tell from the picture. I grow outdoors and my aloes tend to dry on the tips (looks similar to photo) as their more obvious signs of needing a good drenching. If that's the case, no cutting necessary. However, if it is mushy, i agree with the advice above!

Sending positive vibes to you and your plant! You got this :0)