Shriveled cacti

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Andreea1198
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Joined: Sun Aug 28, 2016 8:58 am

Shriveled cacti

Post by Andreea1198 »

Hello guys,
Is it ok for cacti & succulents to shrivel up during their dormant period? My cacti started to shrivel up and one succulent's leaves are thinner that they used to be.. Should I water them again?
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greenknight
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Location: SW Washington State zone 8b

Re: Shriveled cacti

Post by greenknight »

Some shrinkage during dormancy is fine, but it's very early to be seeing it. What temperature are they at?

There will be a lot of variation depending on the species and the temperature. If they're not in a very cool location, a little water may be needed to keep the roots alive.
Spence :mrgreen:
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Andreea1198
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Re: Shriveled cacti

Post by Andreea1198 »

greenknight wrote:Some shrinkage during dormancy is fine, but it's very early to be seeing it. What temperature are they at?

There will be a lot of variation depending on the species and the temperature. If they're not in a very cool location, a little water may be needed to keep the roots alive.
They are in the balcony where it's cold
iann
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Location: England

Re: Shriveled cacti

Post by iann »

A cactus outside will usually go through winter with no water at all. If it is cold it probably won't take up any water anyway, so best no to give it. Some of them can look pretty shrivelled but that's OK. Especially avoid the temptation to water anything with a taproot. They have loads of water stored and if they don't want to give it to the body above the soil line, you shouldn't be adding even more.

Leafy succulents might need water, but it depends where you are and how far above their hardiness limit they are. If they are getting droopy then they probably need some water.
--ian
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Andreea1198
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Re: Shriveled cacti

Post by Andreea1198 »

iann wrote:A cactus outside will usually go through winter with no water at all. If it is cold it probably won't take up any water anyway, so best no to give it. Some of them can look pretty shrivelled but that's OK. Especially avoid the temptation to water anything with a taproot. They have loads of water stored and if they don't want to give it to the body above the soil line, you shouldn't be adding even more.

Leafy succulents might need water, but it depends where you are and how far above their hardiness limit they are. If they are getting droopy then they probably need some water.
Thank you very much!
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