Flip Posted June 15, 2004 Alright I realize that I've been posting a few images up here and that I've had some problems with my cacti... But has anyone every had anything like this happen? I was watering one of my Juuls Giants this evening when I noticed that there was a large gash down the side of the plant, running down to it's base. It reminded me of a burst of sorts where the skin actually broke open from the inside. In the same way that a hot dog will split open while being cooked in a microwave oven. Has ANYONE EVER encountered anything like this before? the measuring ruler is 6" /15cm in length. the gash is about 11.5" long. and .5" /1.5cm deep and uneven with cross connective tissue so I know that it wasn't "cut" from the outside. Man, I gotta tell you... I'm either doing something right or really wrong.... and it ain't looking good.... all I can do is laugh and shake my head... and do what I can to prevent infection from reaching the core. [ 15. June 2004, 17:36: Message edited by: Flip ] Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Torsten Posted June 15, 2004 presumably water stress... or in the case of cacti simply too much water. I've seen similar but smaller rips on some of my younger ones. It should heal over if your air is dry and if you reduce watering. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flip Posted June 16, 2004 Yeah, I kinda figured... it's just that after so many years of growing and interacting within different gardening goups I have never heard of such a thing happening. thanks for the prompt reply. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
strangebrew Posted June 16, 2004 That certainly is one hell of a split you've got there. I too would think it's probably due to overwatering. I don't water at all at this time of year but then again I'm in southern oz. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rev Posted June 16, 2004 Ive had that happen to my Gymnocalyciums when they got too much water but its still strange - ive never seen a pachanoi get too much water!!? I mean people have grown them in hydro systems keep it dry and warm till it forms callous then itll be fine Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spaced Posted July 2, 2004 Are you feeding it at all? I had this problem on a few cacti using a particular water soluble fertiliser, particularly devastating when my golden barrel I have had since primary school days split along one of its sides. My theory is that the cacti absorb all the salts from the fertiliser thus becoming hypertonic. This then attracks more water into the cactus to balance out the tonicity hence an increase in osmotic pressure and bursting of the cactus. The solution: stop feeding AND cut down on watering - I haven't had the problem since. A large pedro started going a bit yellow and I was tempted to give it a bit of fertiliser but resisted - and the result a flower bud has formed on one of its stalks. I'm sure your cactus will survive, Flip. The problem is really just cosmetic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waterdragon Posted July 2, 2004 the salts in chemical fertilisers would be responsible for those effects. i feed mine with a liquid compost at the hottest time of year and have no probs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flip Posted July 2, 2004 Yes I've got the situation undercontrol I've been feeding the plants fairly heavy as of late. this may have been the "problem". it's only cosmetic... but then, I have not heard of this happening in almost 10 years of being within different online forums. and I thought I would share... thanks for everyone's input [ 02. July 2004, 14:04: Message edited by: Flip ] Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
