Is the cactus rotting from the bottom? You will save him if you act at the right moment

Growing cacti is not complicated. Sometimes, however, there is a problem with the plant rotting from the bottom. Then we must take action immediately, because if we delay, we will expose the cactus to death. We explain what to do when it starts to rot and what to do to prevent this from happening.

Cacti seem to be quite durable plants, but certain care mistakes can cause them to start rotting from the bottom. The most common mistake is too strong plants. Cacti are drought-resistant, but they are very sensitive to excess moisture.

Therefore, providing them with too much water causes the plant’s roots to rot. As a result, fungal, bacterial and viral diseases also develop. Another common mistake is the lack of proper drainage in the pot. This makes it the water cannot drain away, so the plant remains damp, which also contributes to its rotting.

In addition to this, it may be the cause inappropriate lighting for the cactus. The lack of daylight significantly weakens the plant and makes it more susceptible to diseases. Cactus rot can also be caused by various causes mechanical damage, because a wounded plant is less resistant to infections.

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The moment we notice that our cactus is rotting from the bottom, we don’t have a moment to lose. The key to saving the plant is a quick reaction that will protect it from complete destruction. Therefore, immediately when you notice disturbing changes, you should take the following steps:

1. Cutting off the rotten parts – immediately cut off the healthy top of the cactus from the rotting one. After cutting, we look at the tissues inside the plant stem and compare them with the diseased ones. In this way, we cut off the cactus slices until all infected parts are removed. Remember to do this with a sharp and previously disinfected knife, which should also be disinfected during the entire process. Then we use a “pencil cut”, i.e. we cut off small pieces of the cactus to expose more of the core, because this is where the cells that will allow the plant to create new roots are located.
2. Drying plants – after trimming, we dry our cactus. For this purpose, it is best to place it in a bright and dry place, but not leave it in direct sunlight. The plant should dry until a hard and dry crust appears on its surface. This usually takes about a week.
3. Replanting a cactus – after drying, place the plant in a pot filled with dry and permeable soil. It is best to choose a mixture of sand and specialized cactus soil. Avoid watering the plant for a few days to prevent moisture from rotting again.
4. Care – when our cactus begins to take root, only then can we start watering. It is best to do it from the bottom, in front of the base, to avoid overflowing the substrate. At the same time, remember that it is better to prevent problems than to deal with their effects later, so let’s make sure that the condition of the plants is checked regularly, as well as proper watering and drainage.