Stop watering it first, that is what you need to do. Prior to watering it once more, allow the soil’s surface to dry out.
Additionally, you might want to wait a week or two after ceasing watering before beginning again.
Placing your cactus in an area where it will receive more sun can also help it dry out more quickly.
The plant will evaporate the water more quickly with the aid of sunlight. The cactus can also be placed in an area with good airflow, such as close to a window or door.
It can take some time for your cactus to recover if you have been watering it excessively.
Keep your cactus well watered and patient, and you’ll soon witness it getting back to health.
Root Rot
Your cactus may get root rot if it has been submerged in water for an extended period of time or if the soil is very moist.
The plant will finally succumb to this and become floppy and squishy.
The cactus’s roots will begin to decay when the fungus assaults them, and the plant won’t be able to absorb water or nutrition. The cactus will eventually lose strength and perish as a result of this.
How to Fix It
Take your cactus out of the pot and cut out all of the rotten roots if you suspect it has root rot.
Take great care not to mutilate the sound roots. The cactus can then be replanted in a new pot with fresh dirt.
Keep an eye on it and remove any additional damaged sections because the rot can spread to the remainder of the plant.
It’s critical to clean the scissors or knife you used after removing the rot.
To do this, submerge them in a bleach and water solution. This will lessen the likelihood of the rot spreading to further plants.
Your dying cactus won’t be able to survive, though, if too much of the root system has decayed.
Poor Drainage
The soil of your cactus will grow damp and squishy if it is in a pot with poor drainage. The cactus will become pliable and its roots will decay as a result.
A pot that is excessively small or devoid of drainage holes for the plant may frequently result in poor drainage.
The soil will get damp and squishy because the pot will fill with water and prevent adequate drainage.
Additionally, employing a potting mix that prevents water from draining effectively can contribute to this.
The cactus will turn squishy if the soil is too dense or clumpy as it won’t enable the water to drain.
To ensure that the water can drain effectively, choose potting soil that is light and airy. For this, cactus soil mixture is ideal.
If the pot is too tiny, you can also create a drainage layer by packing rocks or gravel into the bottom of the pot.
Less watering is required if your cactus is in a pot with poor drainage. Prior to watering it once more, allow the soil’s surface to dry out.
Instead of watering the cactus from the bottom, you can also water it from the top. This will assist in draining any extra water that may be present in the pot.
Additionally, you must relocate it to a location with more sun. The plant will evaporate the water more quickly with the aid of sunlight.
Humidity
Because they are not accustomed to extreme humidity, cacti can grow limp and floppy.
They require a dry environment in order to thrive, and a high humidity level can harm them.
The cactus may get fungal illnesses due to high humidity, which will make the plant floppy and squishy.
You should relocate your cactus to an area with lower humidity if it is currently in a humid climate.
You should water your cactus less frequently if it is in a humid area. Prior to watering it once more, allow the soil’s surface to dry out.
Instead of watering the cactus from the bottom, you can also water it from the top.
However, be careful not to lay it directly in the sun as this could harm the cactus.
Fungal and Bacterial Diseases
Your cactus may have a fungal illness or bacterial disease if it is spongy and has dark soft areas.
The fungus or bacteria that generate black spots on cactus plants will eventually kill the plant by spreading to other sections of the cactus.
Cactus fungus may develop as a result of excessive irrigation, high humidity, or inadequate air circulation. A dirty pot, contaminated soil, or the use of unclean water can all result in the growth of bacteria.
You must use a fungicide or bactericide to treat your cactus if it has a fungal or bacterial condition. Another option is to use an organic fungicide, such neem oil.
You must get rid of any dead or rotting plant components if your cactus has a fungal or bacterial problem. This will aid in halting the spread of the infection.
The dirt and pot need to be cleaned as well. After boiling the soil for 15 minutes to disinfect it, wash the pot with hot water with soap.
By keeping the plant’s container and soil clean, providing it with the proper amount of water, and relocating it to an area with more sunlight and lower humidity, you can try to avoid fungus and bacteria from infecting your cactus.
By following these instructions, you can keep your cactus healthy and stop it from wilting.
Untreated Injuries
Your cactus may have been hurt if it is soft and lacks any black patches.
Falling off the pot, being struck by a hard object, or taking too much sun can all result in injuries.
Insect pests like mealybugs or scale insects can also harm cacti.
Without medical attention, wounds may spread an infection, which will cause the cactus to decay.
Additionally, wounds can make the cactus weak and prevent it from absorbing soil nutrients and water.
If it is infected, you can treat it with a fungicide or bactericide. Another option is to use an organic fungicide, such neem oil.
The injury might only need to be cleaned with mild soap and water if it is not infected.
To remove the damaged portion of the plant, you can use a sharp knife or pair of scissors. Before using the knife or scissors again, make careful to clean them.
Additionally, you must relocate it to an area with higher sun exposure and lower humidity.
The plant will evaporate the water more quickly with the aid of sunlight. However, be careful not to lay it directly in the sun as this could harm the cactus.
Insect Damage
A cactus may also grow soft due to insects like mealybugs or scale insects.
These bugs produce honeydew, a sticky substance that they exude after feeding on the plant’s sap.
Ants and other insects will be drawn to this substance, further harming the plant.
The cactus may weaken as a result of a pest infestation since it won’t be able to take up water or nutrients from the soil.
You have a choice between using a chemical pesticide or an organic pesticide like neem oil.
When using a chemical pesticide, be sure to take precautions and adhere to the label’s instructions.
The insects can also possibly be eliminated manually. Use a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to get rid of the pests if you have a little cactus.
It will be more challenging to manually remove the insects off a huge cactus. Either use an insecticide soap spray or try blasting them off the plant with a hose.
You must properly care for your cactus after the insects are gone in order to aid in its recovery. Trim away any cactus plant parts that are broken or dead.
When necessary, water the cactus and offer well-draining soil. To aid in the cactus’ recovery, you can also fertilize it.
If a pest infestation was the root of the issue, you must keep an eye out for new infestations on the plant.
How can a mushy cactus be saved?
While skin-deep disorders in the upper body of the cactus can be easily handled, those that have spread to the roots typically result in a plant that is slowly dying. Excision of the diseased tissue works successfully for the majority of cacti. Dig out the damaged flesh with a clean, sharp knife, then let the hole dry out. When the wound is healing, avoid overhead watering.
There is not much you can do if the roots have been affected by the harm. You could attempt to repot the plant by removing the unhealthy soil and adding sterile soil in its place. Before replotting the roots in a new potting medium, thoroughly wash the roots out.
Taking cuttings and allowing them to grow roots for a brand-new plant is another way to salvage a mushy, soft cactus. Before inserting the cutting into the sand, let it a few days to callus over. The cutting may need to be rooted for several weeks. A healthy cactus that looks exactly like the parent plant will be created using this method of propagation.
Can a cactus that is overwatered bounce back?
But if you notice any green on your cactus, there’s a strong possibility you can still revive it, regardless of how awful it appears. The task of saving an overwatered cactus is definitely doable. With some patience and some work, you can grow a healthy cactus in a few weeks.
Why is my cactus wrinkled and soft?
Cacti are recognized for needing very little water, but they do need some water, so don’t completely ignore them! Extremely frequent problems with cactus include both under and overwatering. The right moisture balance must be maintained, but cacti are fairly forgiving plants.
regions of color and cork on the stems. Between waterings, cacti should have enough time to totally dry out. Your cactus needs water every 10 to 14 days in the summer in well-drained soil.
months. Check the root zone two to three inches below the soil’s surface if you’re not sure whether to water or not. Never water a plant if the soil is even slightly wet; wait until it has dried.
A soak-watering is necessary if you see wrinkles on your cactus, especially towards the base of the plant, as this indicates that the plant is extremely dry. Giving a cactus a lot of water may seem counterproductive, but you’ll be surprised at how the water will be absorbed and the cactus will grow back in size.
How to soak-water your cactus is as follows:
- Without the saucer, put your plant in the sink or bathtub. Pour roughly 3 to 4 cups of water into your basin. Check to see if the water is warm.
- Give your plant at least 45 minutes to absorb water through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot.
- After giving your plant a soak, feel the soil’s top to see if the water has gotten to the top 2-3 inches.
- Water your cactus a little from the top of the soil to assist the soil become soaked faster if not all of it feels that way.
- Drain the sink or tub once the soil of your plant is evenly moist, and then leave it to rest while it completely drains. Put the plant back in its proper place on the saucer.
How can you spot a dying cactus?
When a cactus looks shriveled and husk-like, it is dead. Additionally, dead cacti can become unstable in their soil and topple over. They could start to smell rancid and becoming mushy, both of which are indicators that they are rotting. Cacti that are dead lose their spines and frequently appear brown.
Can you bring back a dead cactus?
Cactus death is typically caused by root rot brought on by over watering and poorly draining potting soils. Between waterings, cacti require the soil surrounding their roots to dry out. The cactus turns yellow, brown, or black with a spongy texture if the soil is persistently moist.
If a cactus receives too much shade, the stem will droop or lean over, but if it is shifted from shade to full sun without first being exposed to more intense light, the cactus will turn white and appear burnt.
When a cactus is living in conditions that are drastically different from those of its natural environment, it will eventually die.
By placing the cactus in at least six hours of direct sunlight, only watering when the soil has completely dried out, and planting or repotting the cactus in specially formulated well-draining gritty succulent and cacti soil to improve drainage so the cactus can recover, you can revive a dying cactus.