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My cactus is turning black ?!
Hi, I was hoping that someone could help me identify what's wrong with my beloved cactus.
I got him about 3 years ago as a present and was bought from a garden centre.
I have just noticed that he is going black at the top. This has happened over the last 6 months I believe as he was fine then.
I also am not sure what type he is.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Last edited: 09 July 2017 16:59:02
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A picture would help if possible .
I've tried a few times but the function must not be working. I'll try again with this post.
Are the black areas soft?
No they are firm like the rest of her. It looks almost as if she has been burnt with fire.
Would it make a difference if I tried to up load the photo from a computer instead of my phone?
Has your cactus had a sex-change since your first post ?
What was a he is now a she ?? Do try a photo asap .
Ah ha ha no no he is a he. I'll try upload from my laptop just now ...
Finally managed to load some pictures of Titan.
Looks like a particularly vicious form of Echinopsis (Trichocereus) pasacana ; S.American origins ,Peru I believe . The growing point (tip) appears intact , but the brown marks will linger on unfortunately .
I don't know your growing conditions , but mine are all thriving in a well ventilated greenhouse , full sun , plenty of sterilised rainwater (acidic conditions needed for all cacti) and fresh air on hot days .
The 'scorch' marks are often a result of high humidity , but if windowsill grown this should not be a problem .
There is not the consistent warmth in the UK for them to thrive outside , but if you've access to a greenhouse for the summer months , don't hesitate to water freely providing it is in a well drained growing medium . I avoid the word 'compost' , 'cos this conjures images of soggy John Innes or Erin .
Mine flourish in an 80% granite chippings and 20% sterile soil mix (free-draining but moisture retentive) . This might sound paradoxical , but strictly means not standing in water for too long ; a common fallacy is that cacti need barely any water ; I can't give mine enough in the summer , plus MiracleGro . Incidentally , I don't live in some hot climate , but near the coast in Lincolnshire . Hope to have helped
So you think my growing conditions have caused the black marks ?
I will re-pot him.
I don't have access to a green house. All my cacti are house bound and non of my others have got this at all.
Thanks for your advice
Thanks for your answer ; could it be possible that the hot-sunshine through your window may have scorched 'Titan' ?