Cactus query

Posts

• wild edges Posts: 10,497

  October 2018

  That looks more aloe than cactus, maybe Aloe arenicola or something similar. More likely to be over watered than under watered or watered at the wrong time of year (some like winter watering more than summer watering). Best to find out exactly what it is and then you can see what the care requirements are.
  

  If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  

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• madpenguin Posts: 2,543

  October 2018

  It is not a cactus but a succulent.An Aloe (poss. juvenna?) of some kind I think?
  Re-potting in a cactus compost would help.A feed later on would not go amiss.
  Aloes generally propagate from pups at the base but you could try cutting off one of the healthy tips,allow cut to callous over and then plant in well drained potting mix and leave to root.Do not water the cutting until it has roots.

  “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings

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• Seedcollector Posts: 1

  December 2018

  I have may succulents and this one is an aloe. Given the dried papery look of the bottom leaves and the shrunken red appearance of the upper part of the plant, I would offer that this plant is being under-watered.. While it is true that many succulents can survive on less water than most houseplants, they cannot survive without any water.
  
  When dormant, aloes should be watered when the soil dries out but before the leaves shrivel.  When in active growth, they need considerably more water. Aloes such as the one pictured also do well in bright light. If the stems are shriveled at the bottom, following madpenguin's advice might be the only way to restore this plant to health.

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