Reversing Desiccation in Pot-Bound Barrel Cacti

Three large barrel cacti, 2 years indoors, yellowed/shriveled from base up—one dead, two declining. Not overwatered; recently repotted from nearly soilless pots. Likely chronic underwatering + pot-binding: water couldnt

Why a Young Ocotillo Has Flowers But No Leaves

Ocotillo planted July 2009 in Tucson, sprayed every 5 days, no drip. Rainy February, but no leaves—only 6 red flowers on green stems. Young ocotillos can flower leafless; roots are deep and water-limited. First year: wee

Managing a Deep Crack in a Pseudopilocereus Cactus After Shipping

A 2.5-foot Pseudopilocereus arrived from Arizona with one of three stems cracked 3/4 through, 7 up. Risk of rot is high. Best: cut at the joint or 1–2 below break with sterilized knife, fungicide on cut. Start new plant

Removing a Full Ring of Pups from a 14-Inch Golden Barrel Cactus

A 14+ Golden Barrel has a complete ring of pups. Removal: sterilized knife, cut pups, separate any roots, fungicide on all cuts. Callous days/weeks. Rootless pups: on 1:1 perlite/peat, shade, NO water, mist occasionally.

Brown Slick on Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana): Fungus or Pests?

Brown slick substance on leaves/stems of two Mother of Thousands plants. Need photo. Isolate immediately. If limited: spray alcohol/water, repot if improves. If extensive: cut back, spray, repot. Provide conditions: ligh

Emergency Care for Cold/Wet Damaged Pachypodium

A pachypodium suffered cold then wet, losing substantial branches to rot. Cut all moldy/rotten parts. Brush wounds with fungicide or rooting powder; let callous. Ensure ALL rot removed—sterilize knife between cuts. Check

Rescuing a Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) from a Glass Container

A crown of thorns in a glass container with sand drops leaves when watered. Glass has no drainage—fatal for succulents. Repot immediately: pot with large hole, screen over hole (not rocks), 1:1 sand/perlite and well-drai

Natural Control for Leafcutter Ants (Arriera/Arrieta Ants)

Leafcutter ants (arriera/arrieta) defoliate plants nightly. Toxic powder currently used. Resource found: fire ant site covering organic/inorganic controls for leafcutter ants. Review and test safer alternatives.

First Cactus Care Guide: From Hardware Store to Healthy Plant

New 1.5 cactus from a hardware store. Confirm its a cactus (all cacti are succulents, not vice versa). Care: thrives on neglect; killed by overwatering. If soil seems good, leave it. Sunny window; acclimate to outdoors g

Removing and Rooting Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) Pups

A mature potted Golden Barrel has 3 pups mid-body. Removal wont harm the mother. Cut with sterilized knife; separate any roots gently. Dust both cuts with fungicide. Callous days to weeks. Rootless pups: set on 1:1 perli

Mealybug Infestation on a 21-Year Heirloom Christmas Cactus

A grandmothers Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) developed white milky residue—diagnosed as mealybugs from a follow-up photo. Mealybugs are tenacious, hiding in joints, on spines, and in roots. Treatment: 1) Remove clean

Source of Red Dye from Cacti: Cochineal Insects on Opuntia

Red dye from cacti comes not from the plant but from cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus) infesting Opuntia. Females (red, 3mm) are scraped off, dried, and processed for carmine pigment. Historically vital until anilin

Fixing Severe Etiolation on a Tall Indoor Cactus ("Cactus Jack")

Cactus Jack shows classic etiolation: pale, stretched, weak growth from insufficient indoor light. Even south windows provide a fraction of outdoor intensity. Etiolation is permanent—affected sections stay misshapen. Cor

What to Do When a Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium) Dies but the Rootstock (Hylocereus) Lives

A moon cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii) graft died; the Hylocereus rootstock survives with a fast-growing new arm showing aerial roots. Moon cacti lack chlorophyll and die when the graft fails (typically a few years).

Growing Ocotillo in Minnesota: Indoor/Outdoor Experiment

An ocotillo brought from Arizona to Minnesota is indoors, green for months. Plan to repot and move to deck. Ocotillos shed leaves in desert heat to conserve water; in cultivation, we alter their cycle. Repot (wait 1 week

When to Plant a Calloused Saguaro Crown Cutting

A 2-foot Baja saguaro crown cutting has been callousing 2 weeks and greening over. Wait until fully calloused (corky skin)—3–4 weeks total. Root in a pot (not ground) for shade control and mobility. Keep 6 months to a ye

Chronic Fungal Spots on a 30-Year-Old Prickly Pear (Opuntia)

A 30+ year Opuntia in NW Texas has had large black spots for 5 years, worsened by unusual early rains. The base looks black—rot likely in roots and tissue. Spots suggest systemic fungus. Cochineal scale and mealybugs are

Removing Fallen and Leaning Saguaros: Legal and Safe Procedures

A 15–20 saguaro fell in high winds; two others need removal (one leaning into a tree). Saguaros are protected—permits required for removal/relocation. Professional removal needs crane, certified operator, flatbed, crew (

Diagnosing Black Spots and Yellowing on Giant Yucca (Yucca elephantipes)

Two 2-year-old potted Giant Yuccas have black leaf spots and one yellows/drops leaves. In good light, watered monthly. Need: photos, recent root inspection, pot size vs. plant, local weather (rain/cold). Yuccas prefer dr

Stabilizing a Leaning Heirloom Columnar Cactus

A tall, sentimental columnar cactus leans despite tying. Pot may be too small—columnar cacti need pots 1/3 plant height for stability. Remove side arms pulling it over. Repot in well-draining soil (likely overdue). Stake