My cactus, which was super vigorous, suddenly starts yellowing.
Didn’t I take care of my plant? What’s the problem?
It may seem strange to you but cacti are not that resistant .
What can be the causes of yellowing cacti?
The plant is exposed to too much sun
Although cacti are sun-loving desert plants , be aware that not all cacti thrive in full sun. Some need shaded exposure not direct sunlight.
Even cacti purchased from garden centers can suffer if they are not accustomed to bright light. It is therefore necessary to know the light needs of your cactus when you purchase it.
You watered it too much
If the cactus turns yellow from below rather than from above, the most common reason is definitely watering. The yellowing is therefore due to rotting of the roots.
If you notice that the plant becomes soft to the touch, try leaving the cactus to dry. The best thing to do is repot it and prune any rotten roots.
Make sure the soil is draining
If your cactus is yellowing, you need to check the type of potting soil you are using for your cactus. Overwatering may not be the only cause of consistently wet soil.
A soil is therefore necessary to prevent the roots of the plant from remaining constantly moist . To do this, add perlite and sand to the soil to increase its drainage capacity.
Check for parasites
Be aware that your cactus can be infested with parasites like all other plants.
To do this, carefully check your plant for small red spiders or mites.
If the cactus is attacked by mites, it can be fatal. Other common pests can also infest cacti, such as aphids and scale insects.
To treat them, use neem oil or a mild organic soap mixture sprayed on the cactus.
Dissolve approximately 10 g of Marseille soap flakes in a liter of water. To avoid wasting too much time, melt it in a bain-marie over a hot flame. Then put the mixture in the bottle and spray the cactus.
Repeat this treatment for a long period to eliminate not only the adult insects, but also those that are still hatching from the eggs.