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How to save this cactus/suculent

wiskers2245wiskers2245 Posts: 19
in Problem solving
My cactus has been living in a greenhouse just fine, but now looks like this. I'm guessing it's dehydrated but I don't know. How can I save it?

Also does anyone know what it's called? It didn't come with a name tag.

Posts

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    It's an aloe of some kind, a bit hard to tell in the state it's in sorry. Step one is get it out of the clear pot and into a terracotta pot with a suitable compost mix. Either buy cactus compost of mix John Innes No2 with about a third sharp grit for drainage. They can tollerate a drought so lack of water probably wasn't the issue. The growth in the middle looks healthy though so you should be able to save it with proper care.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • wiskers2245wiskers2245 Posts: 19
    Thanks for the advice, I'll do that.
  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,154
    Hello wiskers2245

    Your Aloe is probably A.ferox or more likely A.marlothii ; both very similar .
    Older leaves on these plants tend to curl up and die like yours is showing signs of .

    The central section appears fine . If you wish to tidy it up , get a good pair of strong gloves and a long breadknife or something similar . Cut of the old brown leaves as near to the main stem as possible ; they are very fleshy and cut easily . Leave to callous and don't worry about it . Refrain from watering , probably until next Spring ; they can withstand quite severe frost if in a g/house , and dryness throughout the Winter . Mine tolerate 6-months of complete dryness !!
    It will look a bit odd with just a solitary trunk temporarily , but next summer will soon 'grow out of it' and appear as normal .
    Plenty of rainwater and low-nitrogen plant food will help next year .

    Apart from my advice here , wild edges comment is good to follow ! :)
  • wiskers2245wiskers2245 Posts: 19
    Thanks Paul B3.
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