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Topsfield, MA

Hi, I have some cacti that I planted a while ago about 4 months ago, I can tell the roots are way deep down because when I pull some tension on the cacti they won't budge. So the issue is that the cacti are getting a little soft and it's getting worse, when I pinch them a little I can tell they are soft and I know they should not be like that. I would really appreciate your help.

Thanks

Henry

12/12/2016 4:16:36 PM

Topsfield, MA

Also I have not been giving these 2 cacti any water. The last time I gave them water was about 3 and a half months ago. I'm not sure if they are dehydrated. They are both the same cacti

-Henry

12/12/2016 4:22:32 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

If they are soft, then it can be a sign of needing water.

12/12/2016 4:34:08 PM

Germany

It depends on the species, some are turning soft as they are losing water, some others are turning into something very hard. Post a picture in your diary, that might help identify the cause of your issue.

12/12/2016 4:59:35 PM

Topsfield, MA

I just put 2 pics on my diary it's really hard to tell though that they are soft but they are soft

12/12/2016 6:01:52 PM

Topsfield, MA

The cacti are part of the Opuntioideae family not sure if that would help

12/12/2016 6:06:31 PM

Upa Creek, MO

3.5 months? Just cause they are cactus doesn't mean they don't need water. I have quite a few species I grew from seeds I got in Arizona 9 years ago. I water them every couple weeks lightly. I have noticed one species in particular shrivels up and gets soft when dehydrated. Here's a good general link below:

http://www.csssj.org/welcome_visitors/basic_culture.html

12/12/2016 6:13:09 PM

Topsfield, MA

Ok, thanks I just gave them a little water, will they regenerate and start to harden up again? Instead of getting soft?

12/12/2016 6:20:14 PM

Topsfield, MA

I just read that entire article. Thanks so much it really helped me out, I will now water every week a little and not get the soil wet just wet enough so it can go down to the roots.


Thanks

12/12/2016 8:10:16 PM

Upa Creek, MO

I don't know what your issue is for sure, I do know that my cacti need water more than every few months. Hopefully that was your issue and they plump up. Remember, they are very slow growers too.

12/12/2016 9:04:37 PM

Bethlehem CT

Henry are those prickly pear cactus?

12/12/2016 9:29:32 PM

Topsfield, MA

Yes, they are prickly pear cacti

12/13/2016 6:12:02 AM

Wallingford,CT

they are hard to kill Henry. Mine grow outside all year covered in ice and snow and they still bloom in summer.

12/13/2016 7:31:50 AM

Upa Creek, MO

I saw you diary pics, and I don't have that type. I have mostly Saguaro and Barrel types. I also have Agave, which aren't true cactus.

There are some cool sites out there you can get seeds from and start from scratch. So many options too.

12/13/2016 8:59:09 AM

Central Illinois

I live in Illinois and have a prickly pear variety that is planted outdoors, they get a lot of rain at times and stay hard.In the winter they wrinkle and soften up layinging down on the ground.

12/13/2016 10:00:44 AM

Central Illinois

Here is a picture of ours

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=268582

12/13/2016 10:06:47 AM

Topsfield, MA

That's really cool you really have a lot, that is the type that I have, I waters yesterday and they have seem to regenerate so I think they just needed to be waterd. When do the flowers come on them I don't have any

12/13/2016 12:11:39 PM

Topsfield, MA

I where I can get some cacti seeds?, it would be cool if I could grow one from scratch instead of just planting them when there already pretty big

12/13/2016 4:08:18 PM

Home of happy lil plants

i killed my cactus

12/13/2016 7:11:22 PM

Topsfield, MA

How?

12/13/2016 8:48:38 PM

Bethlehem CT

Baker Creek sell them.

12/14/2016 7:16:10 AM

Billerica,Massachusetts

looked at the diary picts they look fine, like bart said hard to kill, i have some that bart gave me way back when and they have been outside for years look like hell after being under snow all winter but always come back, only way to kill a cacti is with kindness aka over watering them, make sure they have plenty of sun and dont over water them

12/14/2016 7:54:47 AM

Billerica,Massachusetts

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=221320

12/14/2016 7:59:08 AM

Central Illinois

the flowers on ours come on late june through mid july

12/14/2016 11:59:28 AM

Topsfield, MA

Ok thanks - the water has helped them so I think it was just a water issue

12/14/2016 4:32:08 PM

Upa Creek, MO

For seeds you asked about, Google cactus seeds for sale. Here is just one of many sites and based out of Arizona. There are many species to choose from and fun to start from seed in a variety. Be prepared to have to keep them inside during the winter as their not all as resileint as prickly pear discussed above which come from the family of the most cold hardy cacti.

http://www.cactusstore.com/category_60/Cacti-Seed-Sale.htm

12/14/2016 7:19:34 PM

Topsfield, MA

There are a lot, I will take a look,


Thanks

12/14/2016 8:05:40 PM

Watlington, UK

I've been growing cacti for over 30 years and IMO the best sellers of cacti seeds & plants in the US is http://www.mesagarden.com/

The Opuntia that you have needs full sun and excellent drainage. If it's stood in water it will rot. They're easy to grow, water them in summer but not in winter.

12/29/2016 4:31:46 PM