Why Is My Cactus Squishy? How to Save A Rotting Cactus

There are a number of causes that might be causing your cactus to appear squishy recently. The presence of squishy spots on a cactus suggests that something is awry.

If your cactus has a squishy appearance, it’s best to investigate the cause to find a solution.

In this article, we will discuss the most prevalent causes of squishy cactus and how to remedy the situation.

Squishy Cactus: What Does It Mean?

A cactus in need of care is one that has become squishy. This indicates that the cactus is either oversaturated with moisture and lacking in dry air or that it is not receiving an adequate supply of water at its roots.

Because of this, the cactus will be unable to take in water and will quickly perish from rot. Cacti need moisture to survive, but an excess of it will cause them to rot. The plant may decay, mold may grow, and pests may attack as a result of too much moisture.

When a cactus becomes squishy, it’s time to take action. Finding out why the cactus is holding so much moisture is the first order of business. Possible causes for this phenomenon vary, and so do the approaches that should be taken to address it.

The most common reasons why a cactus becomes squishy and how to fix it

The dry conditions typical of the desert are ideal for the cactus. That’s why plants get squishy and limp when they’re exposed to too much water.

There are several potential causes and solutions to the problem of a squishy cactus. The most typical reasons for your cactus to become soft and squishy and what you can do about it, are outlined below.

Overwatering

Overwatering is a leading cause of squishy cacti. Cacti are native to arid regions and don’t require frequent watering. Too much moisture is fatal.

Cactus plants, like other succulents, are adapted to arid environments by storing water in their leaves and stems. Too much water will cause the cactus to become mushy and squishy since the plant will not be able to absorb it all.

What You Can Do About Overwatering

There are a few things you may do if you suspect you overwatered your cactus. Don’t waste any more time, and just quit watering it. You shouldn’t water the plants again until the top inch of the soil is dry.

Watering should be halted for at least a week, preferably longer, before being resumed. This will allow the plant to readjust to its new watering conditions and take it all in.

Placing your cactus in direct sunlight might further hasten the drying process. The water on the plant will evaporate more quickly with the aid of the sun. The cactus would also do well near a window or open door for ventilation.

It may take some time for a cactus that has been overwatered to recover. Your cactus will recover to health if you are patient and give it the right amount of water.

Deterioration of the Roots

Root rot can occur in your cactus if it has been lying in water for too long or if the soil is too damp. The plant will get squishy and finally die as a result of this.

A fungus that thrives in damp places is responsible for root rot. Rotting caused by the fungus prevents the cactus from taking in water and nutrients. The cactus will get sickly and finally die as a result of this.

What You Can Do About Rot Root

If you suspect root rot in your cactus, it’s time to unpot it and trim away the diseased portions of the roots. It is imperative that you take every precaution to protect the vitality of the roots. The cactus can then be transplanted into a new container with sterile soil.

Make sure it gets enough sunlight and the right amount of water. Keep an eye on the plant and remove any rotten areas as soon as possible to prevent the rot from spreading.

After you’ve removed the rot, you should clean the scissors or knife you used. A mixture of bleach and water will do the trick. Hopefully, this will stop the rot from spreading to other plants.

Depending on how quickly you can treat the root rot, your cactus may be able to recover. However, if too much of the cactus’s root system has deteriorated, your withering plant will perish.

Drains Poorly

Your cactus will eventually rot if you put it in a pot that doesn’t drain well. The cactus will get squishy, and the roots will rot if you do this.

Inadequate drainage might be the result of a pot that is too small for the plant or a pot that lacks drainage holes.

The soil will become soaked and mushy if the pot holds too much water and doesn’t drain adequately. It might also be the result of using a potting mix that does not drain water adequately.

Light and porous soil that drains well is essential for cacti. Heavy, clumpy soil prevents water from draining, leading to a squishy cactus.

What You Can Do About Poor Drainage

The pot should be replaced if it has inadequate drainage, or the cactus may die. Pick a new, bigger pot that also has holes on the bottom for drainage.

If you want your plants to thrive, you need to choose potting soil that allows water to drain easily. This calls for a cactus soil mixture. Put pebbles or gravel in the bottom of the pot to act as a drainage layer if the pot is too small.

This will assist in maintaining a dry environment for the cactus and its roots. Cacti in containers with poor drainage will need less frequent watering. You shouldn’t water the plants again until the top inch of the soil is dry.

If you like, you may also water the cactus from above rather than below. If there is any extra water in the pot, this will assist in eliminating it.

You should also relocate it to a location where it will receive more sunlight. The water on the plant will evaporate more quickly with the aid of the sun.

Humidity

Your cactus could go squishy if you keep it in a humid setting. In extreme humidity, cacti might wilt and fall over because they are unaccustomed to the wet environment.

Too much moisture in the air is detrimental to their health.

Because of the high humidity, the cactus may get fungal infections, which will make the plant mushy and unusable. As the fungus spreads, it will begin to destroy the cactus’s roots. Cactus humidity issues can also be brought on by overwatering the plant.

What You Can Do About Humidity

If your cactus is currently located in a humid setting, you should relocate it to a drier area. Cacti thrive in hot, dry, sunny locations. Additionally, a dehumidifier can be used to reduce the humidity in the space.

You can reduce the frequency of watering your cactus if it is kept in a humid setting. You shouldn’t water the plants again until the top inch of the soil is dry.

If you like, you may also water the cactus from above rather than below. If there is any extra water in the pot, this will assist in eliminating it.

You should also relocate it to a location where it will receive more sunlight. The water on the plant will evaporate more quickly with the aid of the sun.

If you want to keep the cactus healthy, you shouldn’t put it where it will be subjected to direct sunlight for long periods of time.

Diseases

A fungal infection or bacterial illness might be to blame for the softness and dark soft areas on your cactus. The plant will get floppy and sick from these illnesses.

Fungal or bacterial infections that begin as black spots on cactus plants can quickly spread to other sections of the plant and ultimately destroy it.

Overwatering, excessive humidity and poor air circulation are all potential causes of fungus on cactus plants. Contaminated water, soil, or containers can all contribute to the growth of bacteria.

What You Can Do About Diseases

The use of a fungicide or bactericide may be necessary if your cactus has become infested with a fungal or bacterial illness. You may also use neem oil or another organic fungicide to cure it.

Any decaying or diseased portions of your cactus should be cut off and thrown away if it has a fungal or bacterial infection. The spread of the illness can be slowed or stopped in this way.

Likewise, the container and soil must be scrubbed thoroughly. Disinfect the soil by boiling it for 10 minutes, then washing the pot in hot water and soap.

Before reusing the container and soil, make sure they are totally dry.

Remove your cactus from a damp environment and relocate it somewhere with more sunlight to reduce the risk of fungal and bacterial infections.

By adhering to these guidelines, you may ensure the continued health of your cactus and avoid the mushy fate that befell its predecessors.

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