Why Is My Cactus Mushy At The Bottom

It’s also very logical why you could have been overwatering your cacti if you weren’t aware of how drought resilient they can be. Check the roots of your cactus if you’re not sure if the bottom is decaying. Similar to other plants, the roots of cactus are firm and white in color, whereas unhealthy roots are brownish-yellow and extremely slippery.

Check the drainage holes if your cactus is in a container while performing a visual inspection. Give your cactus a good soak and watch for the water to flow out of the holes. Poor drainage may have led to your mushy cactus. Drill more holes in the container if it doesn’t. According to the Succulent Care Guide, before you repack it, give a potting mix made specifically for cacti and succulents a try. Perlite will also aid in preventing the plant from becoming soggy.

In addition to root rot, wet soil frequently causes other issues, according to Cactusway. It may result in a bacterial or fungal infection that frequently begins close to the base and spreads quickly, making the plant’s exterior brittle. The other two reasons why that tough-looking cactus might be softening are more obvious from a distance. They include insect harm and plant damage.

Can you salvage a mushy cactus?

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.

Why does the base of my cacti have a soft spot?

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.

Why is the base of my cactus rotting?

Here are some of the most often asked inquiries regarding how to solve typical cactus issues. Ask in the comments part below if you can’t find the solution here.

Why is my cactus turning yellow?

A cactus that begins to turn yellow indicates that it is most likely beginning to rot. You can use the above instructions to save your cactus plant even if only a portion of it is fading.

You might not be able to salvage your cactus, though, if it is completely yellow and soft and mushy.

How do you save a dying cactus?

Without more details, it’s quite difficult to suggest ways to revive a dying cactus. Depending on how it is passing away. A cactus usually begins to deteriorate either from tip rot or from bottom rot.

So carefully examine the plant to determine whether any portions are changing color or whether the cactus feels soft. Rot can be detected by a soft or spongy cactus.

Why did my cactus rot?

As I said above, the two main causes of cactus tip rot are either water settling into the wound or a fungus or illness infecting it.

Overwatering is usually what causes cactus bottom rot. It may not be clear that the overwatered cactus was the root of the problem because it doesn’t always begin to rot right away.

How do you bring a cactus back to life?

That depends on how dead it is, I suppose. However, if the cactus is absolutely dead and has no green at all left on it, I’m sorry you probably won’t be able to revive it.

But if the plant still has a good quantity of healthy growth, you might be able to save it by doing what was mentioned above.

What causes a cactus to die?

The leading cause of cactus death, particularly in potted plants, is overwatering. An overwatered cactus plant may eventually decay from the bottom of the plant up if it is continually overwatered.

Cactus plant overwatering is difficult to detect, though. It’s frequently too late to salvage the plant once the visible symptoms appear (cactus becoming yellow, black, or brown, or a soft, mushy cactus plant, for example).

I advise purchasing a cheap soil water moisture gauge if you’re unclear of how frequently to water your cactus plant so that you can get it perfect every time.

Although cactus rot might be extremely frustrating, your plant may still survive. Unfortunately, cactus plants frequently experience this issue.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to regularly inspect your plants for rot. Additionally, always act quickly to save your cactus if you ever notice it rotting.

My Winter Houseplant Care eBook is for you if you struggle to maintain your houseplants alive over the long winter months. It is equipped with everything need to raise thriving indoor plants all year long. Get your copy right away!