{"id":1677,"date":"2023-11-04T12:48:40","date_gmt":"2023-11-04T12:48:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/?p=1677"},"modified":"2023-11-04T16:15:58","modified_gmt":"2023-11-04T16:15:58","slug":"why-is-my-cactus-drying-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/why-is-my-cactus-drying-out\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is My Cactus Drying Out?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>You excitedly picked out that perfect, plump cactus to liven up your living room. But lately, you&#8217;ve noticed it looking droopy and shriveled. The once vibrant green plant is now dull and covered in crusty white deposits. New growth seems to have halted. Is there a problem with my cactus? And how do I get it to breathe again? You ponder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Chances are, your cactus is drying out from either too much or too little water. The ideal growing conditions may also be off. While it&#8217;s frustrating to see your spiky friend struggling, there are ways to revive it and prevent future drying.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to learn what causes cacti to dry out, how to nurse yours back to health, and tips to keep it hydrated and happy for years. With a bit of care, your cactus can thrive once again!<\/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\/11\/Why-Is-My-Cactus-Drying-Out.webp\" alt=\"Why Is My Cactus Drying Out\" class=\"wp-image-1701\" srcset=\"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Why-Is-My-Cactus-Drying-Out.webp 700w, https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Why-Is-My-Cactus-Drying-Out-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\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1677_9b7202-81, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1677_9b7202-81[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1677_9b7202-81\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1677_9b7202-81 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1677_9b7202-81[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1677_9b7202-81\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading1677_9b7202-81 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1677_9b7202-81\"><strong>Looking for more information about Pests and Diseases:<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"line-height:2.4\">\n<li><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/what-causes-saguaro-cactus-to-die\/\">What Causes Saguaro Cactus To Die?<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/can-slugs-hurt-cactus\/\">Can Slugs Hurt Cactus?<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are the Signs Your Cactus Is Drying Out?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ve all been there &#8211; excitedly picking out that perfect <strong>cactus<\/strong> from the nursery, only to end up with a sad, shriveled succulent later on. Don&#8217;t worry; with the right care, you can get your spiky friend back to its lively self! But first, you need to recognize the symptoms of a drying <strong>cactus<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Shriveling<\/strong> or wrinkling of the skin &#8211; This results from the loss of moisture from the plant&#8217;s tissues. The cactus appears deflated, and its shape may be distorted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Drooping<\/strong> or leaning &#8211; As the cactus dries out, the stems become weaker and bend or sag downward.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Soft\/hollow stems<\/strong> &#8211; Healthy cactus stems should be firm. Softer, squishy stems indicate dehydration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Falling leaves<\/strong> &#8211; Leaves or pads dropping off is a sure sign your cactus needs more hydration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>White crusty deposits<\/strong> on the skin &#8211; These dried mineral remnants are left behind as moisture evaporates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Slow or no growth<\/strong> &#8211; Lack of new growth is a sign of an unhealthy, stressed plant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dull, discolored look<\/strong> &#8211; Vibrant green turns dull or brownish as cacti dry out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t despair if you notice these signs! Catching the issue early and making adjustments can bring your <strong>cactus<\/strong> back from the brink. Once you get the hang of its care, you&#8217;ll have a thriving conversation starter that will bring life to your home for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Causes Cacti to Dry Out?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When your cactus starts looking dried up and drab, it&#8217;s puzzling trying to get to the root of what caused its perky personality to turn prickly. Here are the most common culprits behind a cactus drying out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is It Because You Are Not Watering Enough?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s easy to use underwater cacti since they are adapted to withstand droughts. Here&#8217;s how limited water leads to drying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cacti store moisture in their thick, fleshy stems and leaves. They need less frequent watering than other plants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Underwatering happens when the soil dries out completely for too long between waterings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cacti rely on their vast root systems to absorb and store water. Dry soil means less water is available for roots.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Without adequate moisture, the cactus can&#8217;t replenish water lost through normal transpiration and metabolism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lower moisture content causes the cactus tissues to shrivel and wrinkle. Soft, deflated stems are a sure sign of drought stress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Could Overwatering Be the Issue?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Overwatering can also lead to cactus drying out, even though underwatering is more typical. For the following reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When overwatered, excess moisture prevents air from reaching the roots. Without oxygen, the roots rot and die off.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rotting roots are unable to take up properly and transport water and nutrients to the rest of the plant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This root damage leaves the cactus deficient in water even though the soil is wet. Hence the seemingly paradoxical drying.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Excess moisture also cools the soil, slowing the plant&#8217;s growth and ability to take up water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>With frequent overwatering, the cactus struggles to maintain turgor pressure and appears weak and wilted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is the Temperature Too Hot or Cold?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cacti thrive in warm conditions. Extreme high or low temperatures can lead to drying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Most cacti grow best with temperatures ranging from 55-80\u00b0F. Temperatures outside this range stress the plant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Below 50\u00b0F, cactus metabolism and growth slows. This impairs its ability to take up and retain moisture properly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Very hot, dry air causes faster moisture loss through transpiration and evaporation from the plant&#8217;s tissues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Drastic temperature swings or sustained heat\/cold cause the cactus to dry out from weather-related shock.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Might It Need More Sunlight?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cacti are sun-loving plants. Insufficient light exposure can also cause drying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cacti native to deserts are adapted to intense sunlight. They need at least 4-6 hours of direct sun daily.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>With inadequate sunlight, cactus growth becomes weaker and thinner. Weak growth has a harder time retaining moisture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Low light leads to slower photosynthesis. This reduces the energy available for root and water uptake functions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Weak light is directly correlated with thin, weak stems and increased drying and wilting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Your Cactus Getting Old?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While not the most common reason, age can play a role in cactus drying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cacti can live for decades, with some species surviving over 200 years. At advanced ages, decline sets in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Older cacti have a harder time taking up and retaining moisture as their systems slow down.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gradual drying can happen as part of the natural aging process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rapid drying in an otherwise healthy cactus points to other issues like watering or temperature stress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Can You Bring Your Drying Cactus Back to Life?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So your poor cactus is looking a little droopy and shriveled lately. It happens to the best of plant parents! Don&#8217;t lose hope &#8211; with some care, you can nurse that prickly pal back to its lively self. Here are tips to revive and rehydrate a drying cactus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First, <strong>give the cactus a good, deep watering<\/strong> to rehydrate those parched roots. Use room temperature filtered water and water until it runs through the drainage holes. This gives dried-out roots the soaking they crave.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Next, <strong>prune away any dead or rotting roots<\/strong> using sterilized pruning shears. Healthy roots are firm and white. This step is crucial to support the regeneration of new, healthy root growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Repot the cactus<\/strong> in a container 1-2 inches larger with fresh, well-draining soil. A porous cactus soil mix supports proper drainage and oxygen flow to roots.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Place the recovering cactus<\/strong> in a warm spot (65-75\u00b0F) with indirect bright light. Avoid direct sun while it&#8217;s in a weakened state. Slowly reintroduce to full sun over a few weeks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mist the cactus leaves<\/strong> occasionally with a spray bottle to increase surrounding humidity. This reduces moisture loss through transpiration while the roots recover. Just don&#8217;t overdo it to avoid possible rot.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hold off on fertilizer<\/strong> until your cactus perks back up. Fertilizing stressed plants can do more harm than good.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Once revived, <strong>water only when the top inch of soil is dry.<\/strong> Pay close attention to signals like shriveling as guides for when it needs hydration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Be patient through the rehab process! Recovery can take a few weeks to months, depending on the extent of dehydration. But with attentive care and tweaks to its growing conditions, you can nurse that spiky friend back to feeling fabulous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Can You Prevent Repeated Drying Out?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you&#8217;ve brought your cactus back from the brink, you want to be sure it stays happy and hydrated. Follow these tips to avoid repeated drying episodes in the future:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Water only when the top inch of soil is completely dry.<\/strong> Get familiar with the look and feel of dry soil vs. damp. Stick to a routine of thorough watering with dry spells in between.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Observe the plant&#8217;s signals <\/strong>&#8211; wrinkling, drooping, dulling color &#8211; to determine when it&#8217;s thirsty for more water. Let the cactus guide you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Use terra cotta pots<\/strong> &#8211; they &#8220;breathe,&#8221; allowing moisture to evaporate through the sides and avoiding soggy roots. Plastic traps moisture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Position in a spot with <strong>adequate sunlight<\/strong> &#8211; at least 4-6 hours a day. Good sun exposure keeps growth robust.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maintain proper growing temperatures between <strong>55-80\u00b0F<\/strong>. Heat and AC vents can dry out the air.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mist occasionally<\/strong> or use a pebble tray to boost humidity around the cactus. Low humidity hastens moisture loss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consider an automatic drip <strong>irrigation system<\/strong> on a timer for steady, measured watering. Set and forget!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In winter, when growth slows, <strong>water even less frequently<\/strong> &#8211; maybe every 2-3 weeks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hold off on <strong>fertilizing<\/strong> until the cactus is well established, then use at diluted strength.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Stay vigilant, make adjustments as needed, and get to know your cactus&#8217; unique watering needs. A little attentive care goes a long way in preventing future drying and keeping your spiky friend happy and hydrated!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Say<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Seeing your beloved cactus start to shrivel and dry out can be worrisome, but don&#8217;t lose hope! With a bit of detective work, you can get to the bottom of what&#8217;s causing the moisture loss and turn things around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Address any watering, temperature, sunlight, or soil issues. Revive drying plants with a deep soak and proper care. Learn your cactus&#8217; unique needs and tweak its conditions to prevent repeated drying in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With some care, you can nurse that prickly pal back to good health. Your cactus will be thriving and bringing life to your home again in no time!<\/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&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=100094064670205\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/tashfik896\/media\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Twitter&nbsp;<\/a>and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/tashfik96\/_created\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pinterest<\/a>&nbsp;for more valuable plantation care information.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You excitedly picked out that perfect, plump cactus to liven up your&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1701,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_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-1677","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\/1677"}],"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=1677"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1677\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1701"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1677"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1677"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1677"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}