Coral Cactus Folding Up? Light and Water Are Key

Your coral cactus (Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata') is folding its fan-shaped growth. This is typically caused by insufficient light or improper watering—not by pot size or lack of fertilizer.

Light Requirements

This plant needs full, direct sun all day. A sunny windowsill is essential. Without it, the crested fans will curl and weaken.

Watering Correctly

Let the soil dry deeply—often a couple of weeks—before watering thoroughly. Both overwatering and underwatering cause root dieback and fan folding. Do not repot; a larger pot will hold too much moisture and lead to rot.

Kalanchoe Care (Bonus)

The kalanchoe you received is a tender perennial that must stay indoors in frost-prone climates. It likes bright light and needs the soil to dry about a quarter of the way down before watering. Avoid repotting while it's flowering.