{"id":1381,"date":"2023-10-10T05:18:16","date_gmt":"2023-10-10T05:18:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/?p=1381"},"modified":"2023-10-10T05:18:17","modified_gmt":"2023-10-10T05:18:17","slug":"why-is-my-cactus-curling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/why-is-my-cactus-curling\/","title":{"rendered":"Why is My Cactus Curling?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>You glance over at your small cactus plant on the windowsill and notice its pads have become strangely curled. Hmm, that doesn&#8217;t look right, you think to yourself. After a quick search online, you discover this coiling inward is often a sign the cactus is under stress. But what could be the cause in your case?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>There are several reasons your cactus pads might start curling up. Still, the most common culprits are usually too little sunlight, underwatering drying out the pads, overwatering causing root rot, cold drafts or temperatures stressing it out, and more.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you start to worry, it&#8217;s essential to pinpoint the exact issue causing this unusual behavior in your cactus. In this guide, we will delve deeper into these common causes of cactus curling and provide expert tips on identifying and addressing the specific problem affecting your beloved plant. So, stay tuned!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Why-is-My-Cactus-Curling.webp\" alt=\"Why is My Cactus Curling.\" class=\"wp-image-1385\" srcset=\"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Why-is-My-Cactus-Curling.webp 700w, https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Why-is-My-Cactus-Curling-300x171.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong><em>Looking for more information about Pests and Diseases:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"letter-spacing:1px;line-height:2.4\">\n<li><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/how-to-stop-cactus-corking\/\">How to Stop Cactus Corking<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/why-is-my-cactus-scarring\/\">Why Is My Cactus Scarring?<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-table-of-content-wrap{padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;background-color:#f6f6f6;border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-table-of-contents-title-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-table-of-contents-title{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-table-of-content-wrap .kb-table-of-content-list{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-table-of-content-list li{margin-bottom:12px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-table-of-content-list li .kb-table-of-contents-list-sub{margin-top:12px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-toggle-icon-style-basiccircle .kb-table-of-contents-icon-trigger:after, .kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-toggle-icon-style-basiccircle .kb-table-of-contents-icon-trigger:before, .kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-toggle-icon-style-arrowcircle .kb-table-of-contents-icon-trigger:after, .kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-toggle-icon-style-arrowcircle .kb-table-of-contents-icon-trigger:before, .kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-toggle-icon-style-xclosecircle .kb-table-of-contents-icon-trigger:after, .kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-toggle-icon-style-xclosecircle .kb-table-of-contents-icon-trigger:before{background-color:#f6f6f6;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-table-of-content-wrap{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-table-of-content-wrap{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}<\/style>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is There an Issue with the Soil?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When looking for reasons your cactus may be curling, it&#8217;s essential to consider the soil quality its roots are growing in. A cactus&#8217; soil needs are quite simple &#8211; it just wants something very well-draining that doesn&#8217;t hold onto <strong>moisture<\/strong>. But it&#8217;s easy for even experienced gardeners to overlook potential <strong>soil problems<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check Those Sensitive Roots<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cactus roots are quite <strong>delicate<\/strong> &#8211; they don&#8217;t like sitting in soggy <strong>mud<\/strong>. Remove your plant from its pot and carefully inspect the rootball. Look for any <strong>soft<\/strong>, dark patches indicating <strong>root rot<\/strong>. Give the roots a gentle squeeze &#8211; they should be firm, not mushy. It may be time for a soil change if you see any issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drainage not Up to Scratch?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if the roots look <strong>healthy<\/strong>, the soil could still be a problem with poor <strong>drainage<\/strong>. Tip out the existing medium and check how quickly excess water escapes the <strong>texture<\/strong>. Mixing in materials like perlite, sand, or gravel is recommended to improve aeration. This allows <strong>moisture<\/strong> to evaporate without the roots sitting in puddles easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nutrient Deficiencies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another possibility is a lack of <strong>nutrients<\/strong> like nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. Symptoms include <strong>chlorosis<\/strong> (yellowing leaves), weak growth, and <strong>curling pads<\/strong>. A balanced <strong>cactus<\/strong> <strong>fertilizer<\/strong> applied during the growing season and well-draining soil can usually remedy this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Your Cactus Getting Too Much Water?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ah, the dreaded enemy of cacti everywhere &#8211; <strong>overwatering<\/strong>. It&#8217;s, unfortunately, one of the most common causes of sad, curling cactus pads. But how can you tell if your poor little spiky friend is experiencing <strong>too much moisture<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Observe the Soil<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Stick your finger knuckle-deep into the soil and give it a feel. Is it still <strong>damp<\/strong>? Cactus soil should be dry 1-2 inches below the surface between waterings. You can also watch for <strong>soggy<\/strong> or dark areas in the <strong>potting mix<\/strong>. These are signs it&#8217;s just not <strong>draining<\/strong> quickly enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inspect Those Stems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Soft, <strong>translucent<\/strong>, or mushy spots on stems near the soil line are a telltale sign of <strong>root rot<\/strong> brought on by standing water. Cacti just aren&#8217;t equipped to handle <strong>wet feet<\/strong>! Catch it early by gently probing stems weekly to monitor <strong>firmness<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pads Pulling Away?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Overly <strong>taut<\/strong> pads that appear to separate from the main stem are another symptom. The plant is <strong>signaling<\/strong> stress from too much moisture inside its <strong>tissues<\/strong>. Improved drainage and a good <strong>dry<\/strong> <strong>out<\/strong> period are key to stopping this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Avoiding Future Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stick your finger in the soil before <strong>watering<\/strong> to check dryness. Water thoroughly until <strong>drainage<\/strong> occurs, then allow the substrate to dry completely before <strong>irrigating<\/strong> again. <strong>Consistency<\/strong> is critical for cactus care &#8211; with some fine-tuning, you can keep your prickly pals perfectly hydrated!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember &#8211; with cacti, less is more when it comes to H2O. Stay tuned for tips on identifying other potential <strong>causes<\/strong> of <strong>curling<\/strong>, too. With some care, your spiky friend will return to <strong>thriving<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Fido Stealing Your Cactus&#8217; Sunshine?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Providing sufficient light is crucial for keeping your cactus perky, but it&#8217;s easy to give them too much shade unintentionally. Curling pads are a telltale sign they&#8217;re just not getting enough of the good stuff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sunlight Needs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Contrary to popular belief, most cacti enjoy the sun. To efficiently photosynthesize, they require at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. Too little, and they&#8217;ll get <strong>elongated<\/strong> and <strong>curled<\/strong> trying to <strong>orient<\/strong> themselves sunwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Assessing Light Levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a look around your cactus. Is it blocked by trees, fences, or other plants hogging the rays? Cacti positioned too far from a <strong>south-facing<\/strong> window may also be lacking illumination. If you&#8217;re unsure, use a light meter app, aiming for readings above 50 foot-candles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Making Adjustments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If lack of light seems to be the culprit, try moving your needle-y friend to a spot with more <strong>exposure<\/strong>. Prune back anything blocking the sun or switch to a <strong>growing light<\/strong> if outdoor space is limited. You can also <strong>acclimate<\/strong> a shady cactus slowly to reduce <strong>shock<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transition Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Abruptly shifting light levels will <strong>stress<\/strong> it out. Start with a couple of hours of direct sun daily for a week, then increase by an hour each week until it reaches the full 6. This gives the plant time to <strong>adjust<\/strong> its metabolism without <strong>curling<\/strong> even more in protest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With proper lighting assessments and gradual <strong>adjustments<\/strong> as needed, your cactus should start straightening out quickly! Sunshine is the secret to keeping them happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are You Underwatering Your Cactus?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It may seem counterintuitive, but underwatering can cause cactus pads to curl just as much as overwatering! Their native desert habitats experience long, dry periods between rainfall, which cacti have adapted to expect. Failing to meet their moisture needs can induce stress curling, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Assessing Dryness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stick your finger an inch deep in the soil &#8211; is it bone dry? Cactus mix should be allowed to dry out fully between waterings. Pay attention to pads as well &#8211; are they slightly wrinkled or deflated? This indicates thirst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Only water when the entire root zone is dry. Then, soak thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage holes below. Give your cactus a good drink once every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winter Care<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During their dormancy period in winter, water even less &#8211; maybe once a month. The reduced light and warmth means they&#8217;ll metabolize slowly. Gradually increase water as temperatures rise in spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preventing Shriveling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If pads are wrinkled from severe drought, water slowly over an hour. This prevents shocking them as the tissues plump back up. Resist the urge to overcompensate with too much H2O, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With careful attention to their dry down cycles, you can keep your prickly pals perfectly hydrated without the stress of too little or too much liquid!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Old Man Winter Too Harsh on Your Cactus?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While cacti are adept at enduring hot, arid conditions, chillier temperatures can trigger stress responses like curling pads. Their bodies just aren&#8217;t built to function optimally in frosty climes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Checking the Thermometer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most cactus species want nights above 10\u00b0C\/50\u00b0F to stay content. Any colder and their metabolisms slow, making them more susceptible to damage. Feel the soil &#8211; is it icy? That&#8217;s too frigid for their liking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Draft Dodging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Brisk winds or air movement near a door\/window amplify chilling effects. Find a sheltered spot away from drafts. You can also create a mini-greenhouse using a plastic container over the pot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cold Protection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When night temps dip close to freezing, it&#8217;s time to overwinter cacti indoors or in an insulated cold frame. A sunny windowsill mimicking their warm season environment allows them to slumber peacefully until spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gradual Adjustments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you keep yours outside year-round, ensure any transplants acclimate slowly to outdoor lows. This means several weeks of exposure to minimally warmer night temps before full winter sets in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Your Cactus Crammed in a Tiny Pot?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, even the smallest cactus can outgrow its original nursery pot. Curling pads are one sign it may simply be pot-bound and need more elbow room below ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Checking Root Bound Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gently tip the plant from its pot and peek at the root ball. Is it a solid mass of fibers circling the drainage hole? You may see restricted, knotted roots too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diagnosing the Problem<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When roots have nowhere left to spread out, the cactus gets stressed. It responds by elongating upward in search of nutrients and space. This leads to unattractive twisting and folding of pads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sizing Up for a Spacious Solution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Select a container just 2-4 inches larger in diameter. <strong>Terra cotta<\/strong> or glazed ceramic with plenty of drainage holes is best. Mix in some perlite or gravel for improved aeration around the roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Removing from the Crammer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Carefully brush off excess soil and tease apart the dense root wad with your hands if needed. Prune any damaged or circling sections before replanting in fresh cactus potting mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a happier home purchasing sprawling roots, your cactus buddy should perk up quickly in its new spacious digs! Routine checking prevents future potbound problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Got a Case of the Creepy Crawlies?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Curling pads can sometimes indicate a less visible foe is affecting your cactus &#8211; those dastardly tiny pests hiding in the soil or stems. Keep an eye out for signs your prickly friend may have become infested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Culprits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mealybugs, scale, and spider mites love snacking on juicy cactus tissues. Look for fluffy white masses, gray spots, tiny webs, and misshapen growth. Larvae or crawling dots may be visible to the naked eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Damage from Diners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like environmental stress, pests provoke protection curling as the plant tries isolating tissues. Repeated feeding leaves pads are deformed, wrinkled, or puckered along the edges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Smoking Them Out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gently wipe leaves\/stems with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball to reveal pests. Use a 10x magnifier for a closer peek. Squish larger bugs if only a few are found &#8211; chemical or natural oils may be warranted for severe cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prevention Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Maintain cleanliness between plants. Isolate any newcomers for a month to check their health. Beneficial insects like ladybugs are a non-toxic defense. Curling can be halted by eliminating the root (or stem, in this case) of the problem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Should You Do About It Now?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s time to take action and put your prickly friend on the path to recovery now that you&#8217;ve identified the underlying cause of the curling. With the right immediate steps, those sad pads should perk up quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Handle With Care<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether repotting or treating pests, be very gentle while working to avoid damaging tender tissues more. Curling indicates stress &#8211; limit additional trauma wherever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flush Out the Soil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Remove the plant from its pot and dump out the saturated soil for overwatering cases. Let it dry completely before repotting in a fresh, well-draining cactus mix. This stops further root rot progression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Assess and Prune<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Inspect roots and stems closely, trimming away anything mushy or discolored. Wipe affected areas with hydrogen peroxide to inhibit bacteria spread. New growth will initiate healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adjust the Stresses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If a non-water issue is diagnosed, make appropriate changes immediately. Move it to sunnier spots, turn up the heat, isolate it from drafts, or treat pests aggressively if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be Patient, Young Padawan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Recovery takes time! Resist the urge to fuss or water frequently as new growth initiates. Establish appropriate care routines to keep issues from recurring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prevent Deformation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To encourage straightened pads, situate your cactus so tensions are not pulled unevenly as it recovers. Staking may help stubborn cases retain a tidier shape over weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With diligent care at this stage, your prickly friend&#8217;s pads should begin firming up within 2-4 weeks. Sometimes, a little pruny focus is the fastest route back to health!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Replanting Might Rescue Your Cactus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While taking immediate steps to remedy the cause will stop further decline, severe or prolonged curling may warrant a more drastic intervention &#8211; replanting your prickly pal. Here are some signs it&#8217;s time for a change of scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Extreme Distortion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The internal stress damage may be difficult to undo if pads are severely warped, twisted, or pulled apart. A fresh start in new soil gives it a clean slate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Root Rot Recurrence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the same moisture issue, like soggy soil, keeps causing root death despite adjustments, it&#8217;s safer to transplant to a container with improved drainage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pest Persistence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stubborn critters that refuse to clear off despite treatments may continue inflicting hidden wounds. Replanting allows a thorough rinse of the entire root zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stunted Growth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Chronic stresses can inhibit a cactus from reaching its full potential over time. A new mix may inspire a renewed vigor boost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dividing Pups<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If pads can be gently separated to create clumps or offset plantlets, popping them out gives each its own optimally sized pot for healthier perking up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Excess Scar Tissue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Very fibrous calluses formed during healing could prevent even spacing. New soil promotes straighter remodeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With replanting as a last resort after immediate measures fail, you give your prickly friend the best shot at a full recovery with perky, shapely pads once more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Say<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With diligent monitoring and preventative care strategies in place, I&#8217;m confident your cactus pads will stay proudly perky from now on! Remember &#8211; these succulents adapt wonderfully when provided with their simple desert-dwelling needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check-in regularly for any curling cues as issues arise, but your new routine should have Fido feeling fine. As always, don&#8217;t hesitate to reach out if any new questions or concerns pop up. Until then, happy cactus caring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>If you found this article helpful, please share it with other plant owners<br>and consider following us on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=100094064670205\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/tashfik896\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Twitter<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a0<\/a>and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/tashfik96\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pinterest<\/a>\u00a0for more valuable plantation care information.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You glance over at your small cactus plant on the windowsill and&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1385,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1381","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pests-and-disease"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1381"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1381"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1381\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1385"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1381"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1381"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1381"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}