Sebas Posted May 6, 2007 Hi all, What should the normal color be, of the part of a cactus that's below the ground? I see it turn brownish-yellow. No problem you'd think. But sometimes when I see a plant is in need of water (dehydrated ribs), I water it and check the next morning. When it hasn't swollen up, I suspect there's a problem, so I lift it from it's pot to inspect it... Then I discover that the brownish-yellow part below the ground is getting softer. I wash the roots clean and let the thing dry completely for a while, or I chop it off to re-root it. But what's going on? I mean, I use standard cactus soil and I don't think I'm over-watering them... Thanks in advance! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KlUe Posted May 6, 2007 (edited) First specimen looks like some sort of rot mate.. Usually they brown to the same colour under or around the roots, but shrivelling up like that is no good.. I doubt you'll be able to resurrect it, no harm in trying though. edited typos Edited May 6, 2007 by KlUe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
libertycaps Posted May 7, 2007 Make sure your soilmix is draining properly, Let the soil dry out a couple of days before you put any water. # 1 looks like a goner # 2 might have a chance if you keep it on the dry side for a while. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sebas Posted May 7, 2007 (edited) Thanks guys. This is no disaster, I only want to make sure I don't run into these problems again. I'll start by mixing my soil up with drainage enhancing material... It pumice the way to go? Edit: or perlite? or clay pebbles? Edited May 7, 2007 by Sebas Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
