How to Identify a Dying Cactus: Signs and Symptoms

A dying cactus may exhibit several signs that indicate it is unhealthy or nearing death. It's important to recognize these indicators to take the necessary steps to help your cactus recover or to address any underlying issues that may be causing the plant's decline.

Color Changes

Healthy cacti typically have vibrant green colors. A dying cactus may turn yellow, brown, or even gray, indicating stress or a lack of water. Yellowing is often a sign that the plant is experiencing dehydration, while browning or graying can be a result of prolonged stress or environmental factors.

Soft or Mushy Texture

Cacti should feel firm to the touch. If a cactus becomes soft or mushy, it may be overwatered or suffering from rot. Overwatering can lead to a lack of oxygen in the roots, promoting the growth of pathogens that cause root rot

Wrinkled Skin

A cactus that appears shriveled or has wrinkled skin may be underwatered. When the plant loses moisture, it loses its turgidity and takes on a wrinkled appearance. This is a clear sign that the cactus needs immediate attention and a thorough watering.

Drooping or Wilting

If the cactus starts to droop or lean, it may be a sign of root rot or inadequate support. Root rot can occur when a cactus is overwatered, leading to excessive moisture around the roots, creating an environment for pathogens to flourish.

Pests or Mold

Look for signs of pests like mealybugs or spider mites or fungal growth on the cactus. These can contribute to the decline of the plant. Pests can cause necrosis and weaken the plant, making it more vulnerable to other issues.

Falling Off Segments

For species like the prickly pear, segments may start to fall off if the cactus is dying. This is often a sign that the plant is no longer maintaining its structural integrity and that it is in a weakened state.

Lack of New Growth

A healthy cactus will produce new growth during its growing season. If there is no new growth for an extended period, it might be a sign of distress. This could be due to a lack of water, sunlight, or nutrients.

Resilience and Common Causes of Death

Although cacti are resilient, they are not unbeatable plants. Signs of wilting and wrinkles indicate that a cactus is dehydrating. Cacti may lose their leaves and turn yellow, and in some cases, they may even show black spots on their leaves if they are too overwatered.

Real-World Examples

At one meeting of the cactus and succulent club, I witnessed an example of a cactus with really woolly spines that had completely covered the body. To see the actual body, one had to poke through the spines. The cactus was desiccated, almost mummified in place. A cactus that has drowned from too much water would have black areas on its leaves and a soggy appearance. The stems of the cactus could fall over and become mushy, often appearing brown. This can easily be observed in Facebook houseplant forums, where many such cases are documented.

In potted cacti, the most common cause of death is rot from overwatering. Such cacti will show soft, rotten spots at the base and may be discolored, appearing yellow or a darker matte green. They will not look firm and healthy although some cacti may look okay right up until the final collapse.

Conclusion

Cacti that are under attack by mealybugs may look healthy until they suddenly shrivel up and die. You'll see evidence of large numbers of mealybugs on the plant before that happens. Sometimes, cacti may die of unknown causes, and it's apparent before they kick the bucket that there is something wrong, but figuring out how to fix things can be challenging.

The best advice is to learn what a healthy cactus looks like and you'll be able to tell when one isn't healthy. However, this doesn't always mean you can fix the problem. Timely recognition and intervention are crucial in preserving the health and vitality of your cactus.