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Bunny ear cactus flopping

Ryan180680Ryan180680 Posts: 202
in Problem solving
I've recently reported my bunny ear cactus as it was out growing its smaller pot. Over the past few weeks it's started to droop.ive checked that I've not overwatered it and it doesn't feel squishy. Any ideas? 

Posts

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    It's not a great time of year to repot cacti and they don't really need to be watered yet. What soil did you use?
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • Balgay.HillBalgay.Hill Posts: 1,089
    It is advised to not water a newly potted cactus for a week or so to allow any damaged roots to heal. The roots can rot otherwise.
    They need a free draining compost so the roots don't sit in water.
    Sunny Dundee
  • Ryan180680Ryan180680 Posts: 202
    wild edges said:
    It's not a great time of year to repot cacti and they don't really need to be watered yet. What soil did you use?
    I used a houseplant potting mix and did water straight away. Should I repot again and not water?
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Houseplant compost tends to be designed to retain water and will be a bit rich for cacti. You'd have to be very careful with watering to keep it in there but it could be ok. I would brave the spines again and either repot with 50% grit or similar drainage material added or use a specialist soil mix. Don't bother watering it until we get some decent sun. It will use stored reserves to make roots in the meantime.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited March 2023
    Ryan180680 said:
    I used a houseplant potting mix and did water straight away. 
    Do you mean a peat-like peat-free compost?  That would definitely be a no, no for cacti.

    Assuming it will survive (not guaranteed) a stick to support it might be a good idea.

    And make sure the cache-pot does not hold water.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • Balgay.HillBalgay.Hill Posts: 1,089
    If it does start to rot from the base, you could use one of the 'ears' to start a new plant.
    Just break an 'ear' off, and leave it on a window sill for a few days for the cut end to dry. Plant it cut end down into suitable compost. Leave for a week before watering.
    Sunny Dundee
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