Chin Cactus Help
Chin Cactus Help
Hi I have a chin cactus and I have had it since February. I was told to not water it and so I just left it alone but now I am concerned about it. I am worried it is sick and do not know how to take care of it. Should I re-pot it? (if so, how do I know if this needs to be done?) Or should I start watering it? (If so, how much?) Is there a tell-tale sign it is sick? Please help asap. Thanks, Emma
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adetheproducer
- Posts: 1576
- Joined: Tue Sep 03, 2013 4:15 pm
- Location: Porth, the Rhondda, Wales
Re: Chin Cactus Help
Can you upload a picture so we can see what's going on?
And as the walls come down and as I look in your eyes
My fear begins to fade recalling all of the times
I have died and will die.
It's all right.
I dont mind
I dont mind.
I DONT MIND
My fear begins to fade recalling all of the times
I have died and will die.
It's all right.
I dont mind
I dont mind.
I DONT MIND
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greenknight
- Posts: 4818
- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2013 4:18 am
- Location: SW Washington State zone 8b
Re: Chin Cactus Help
Yes, pictures would be helpful.
You were told right - cacti need a winter rest period, with little or no water. See - http://www.cactus-art.biz/note-book/Dic ... r_rest.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If you cactus is a little shrunken, that's all right. Here's an article that shows what problems to look for - http://www.cactiguide.com/cactipests/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
When Spring-like weather arrives to stay, it's time to water. Cacti should normally be watered thoroughly, until water comes out the drain holes, but don't leave them sitting in water. Don't water again until the soil is dried out. Overwatering is worse than underwatering - if in doubt, don't water.
Most nurseries grow cactus starts in peat-based planting mix which is not good for permanent growing. If yours is potted in peat, you need to re-pot with a gritty, free-draining mix. See this thread - http://www.cactiguide.com/forum/viewtop ... =25&t=9222" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
When peat dries out, it shrinks and hardens, and is difficult to re-moisten - you may need to soak it to soften it up, so it can be cleaned from the roots without damaging them too much. If needed, you can submerge the pot up to its rim in lukewarm water to accomplish this - when it stops bubbling, it's soaked, take it out and let it drain.
It's best to work with soil that's damp but not soggy, so give the plant several days to take up some of the water before you un-pot it. After re-potting, you need to wait a couple weeks for the roots to heal before you water, so that's another reason to give it a drink first.
You were told right - cacti need a winter rest period, with little or no water. See - http://www.cactus-art.biz/note-book/Dic ... r_rest.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If you cactus is a little shrunken, that's all right. Here's an article that shows what problems to look for - http://www.cactiguide.com/cactipests/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
When Spring-like weather arrives to stay, it's time to water. Cacti should normally be watered thoroughly, until water comes out the drain holes, but don't leave them sitting in water. Don't water again until the soil is dried out. Overwatering is worse than underwatering - if in doubt, don't water.
Most nurseries grow cactus starts in peat-based planting mix which is not good for permanent growing. If yours is potted in peat, you need to re-pot with a gritty, free-draining mix. See this thread - http://www.cactiguide.com/forum/viewtop ... =25&t=9222" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
When peat dries out, it shrinks and hardens, and is difficult to re-moisten - you may need to soak it to soften it up, so it can be cleaned from the roots without damaging them too much. If needed, you can submerge the pot up to its rim in lukewarm water to accomplish this - when it stops bubbling, it's soaked, take it out and let it drain.
It's best to work with soil that's damp but not soggy, so give the plant several days to take up some of the water before you un-pot it. After re-potting, you need to wait a couple weeks for the roots to heal before you water, so that's another reason to give it a drink first.
Spence 