Troubleshooting
Cacti (general care) problems — and how to fix them
Cacti (general care) (Cactaceae) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Soft brown base
Root rot from overwatering — almost always fatal once advanced.
Etiolation (stretching)
Insufficient light; the new growth is thinner and paler than the old.
Corking at the base
Natural ageing in older plants — bark-like brown patches are normal.
Failure to flower
Many species need a cool, dry winter rest of 8-12 weeks to set buds.
Mealybugs
Common in cacti collections; dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab.
Prevent cacti (general care) problems before they start
Most cacti (general care) issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Cacti (general care) problems — FAQ
Why is my cacti (general care) soft brown base?
Root rot from overwatering — almost always fatal once advanced.
Why is my cacti (general care) etiolation (stretching)?
Insufficient light; the new growth is thinner and paler than the old.
Why is my cacti (general care) corking at the base?
Natural ageing in older plants — bark-like brown patches are normal.
Why is my cacti (general care) failure to flower?
Many species need a cool, dry winter rest of 8-12 weeks to set buds.
Why is my cacti (general care) mealybugs?
Common in cacti collections; dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab.