Assessing Freeze Damage on Stetsonia Cactus

Stetsonia Cactus Turned Spongy After Freeze

A Stetsonia cactus that survived previous freezes now shows spongy, moldy tissue from the top down (~10 inches). The owner asks if it can be saved.

Evaluation

• If the entire plant is spongy: Likely dead; cannot be saved.
• If only the top is affected: Cut below the damaged area into firm, healthy tissue.

Procedure

1. Use a sterile knife; cut until tissue is completely clean (no brown, yellow, or mush).
2. Sterilize knife between cuts.
3. Brush cuts with fungicide.
4. Allow wounds to callous in a dry, protected spot.
5. Keep dry; new growth will emerge from the remaining stem.

Key Factor

The depth of sponginess determines viability. If rot has reached the base or roots, the plant is lost.