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mrwalter6

Cacti Help - Brown Spots?

5 years ago

Ive had these cacti with me for a few years now. They've been absolutely a joy to look after. However, I've noticed some troubling marks begin to appear. I've been covering my plant when the nights get cold, letting it take in as much sun as possible, and not watering as much as its been raining quite a bit. So I'm not sure what may have caused the marks. Any ideas? I hope my plants can still be saved! T



Comments (3)

  • 5 years ago

    Are the spots soft or firm?

    mrwalter6 thanked Emily (5b)
  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Oh man this does not look good at all. Your cactus is a Neobuxbaumia euphorbioides and I have found these guys to be super sensitive to wet and cold. Especially when young like yours. As they get older they become a little tougher. I had three young specimens that died last summer, which is the growing season, from too much moisture and not enough airflow.

    So too much moisture during the cooler months is not good. I’ve got an older one that can take a little more abuse.

    This guy I doubt will make it🙁.



    I can tell the copper/dark area is inside the cactus and not just on the surface.

    Unfortunately that does not heal on its own and will just spread to the healthy bits, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. You can cut the unhealthy rotten parts off, but in your case the bad parts are vertical and all over, and not just in one area. Plus i wouldn’t be surprised if the rot has made it to the vascular ring.

    Not my pic, from Google images.



    The vascular ring is like the cactus’ circulatory system it carries nutrients and water from the roots to the plant. So when rot reaches it, it also aides in the spread of rot🙁.

    I would def take them all out of that damp mix. Check the roots because they may be good. You might be able to save a few inches above the roots if there is no rot.



    How long have they been like this? Whenever you see rot on succulents it’s best to act ASAP because it doesn’t go away. Spreads very quickly. Every once in a blue moon the cactus will heal itself, but sadly yours doesn’t look to be healing.

    When and if you unpot and you want help I or someone else can help.

    Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s all a learning lesson.

    mrwalter6 thanked Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA
  • 5 years ago

    Hello! I really do appreciate you taking the time to respond. I noticed these spots rather recently, a week or so the most I didn't want to believe or even think they weren't going to pull through but I think its finally sunk in. I'll definitely check the roots and see if theres any good news there. Im hoping I'll be able to salvage a few inches!