Tall Apartment Cactus Losing Stems: Corking or Fungus?

Phillip's tall, multi-stemmed cactus developed brown dry patches at the base, lost 3 of 6 stems, and one fell over with minimal roots.

Assessment

Brown patches: Could be corking (natural aging, harmless) or fungal infection.
Stem collapse: Suggests root/stem rot.

Take healthy cuttings in spring (best rooting time) and restart. If decline is rapid, do it now. Corking doesn't kill; rot does.

Cactus: Ornamental Cactus Crown Rot: Surgical Removal and Cultural Correction; Rescuing an Etiolated Mystery Cactus: Light Rehabilitation Protocol; Stabilizing a Leaning Heirloom Columnar Cactus; Transplanting a 30-Year Blooming Zygocactus (Christmas Cactus); Rotting Barrel Cactus: Low Survival Odds; Euphorbia Cactus Rotting: Cut Black Parts with Full Protection; Identifying and Planting a Trichocereus Cactus in Arizona: Timing and Rock Garden Tips; Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana): Not Poison Ivy, But a Taprooted Volunteer; Bonsai Gift Plant: Ficus microcarpa; Cactus Plants: Low-Maintenance Succulents for Dry Indoor Air

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