it was purfectly healthy a few days ago. It is in a peat moss holder with 4 others and it is about 1 and a half foot tall
2007-02-25 03:14:15 · 2 answers · asked by dallascowboysbigestfan 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Botany
peat moss holds water and does not drain well, the cactus is probably taking in too much water and rotting at the base. This may also be a lack of proper nutrient intake, which could be a result of crowding or lack of fertilization.
Cacti need to be in well drained soil as they don't take in a lot of water at once, they take in small amounts infrequently. Over watering leads to root rot, or cell lyse (cells overfill with water and basicall explode)
2007-02-25 12:59:24 · answer #1 · answered by MRHickey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yellow and purpling are often associated with mineral deficiencies. Try adding some general purpose fertilizer and hope for the best (note that it may survive and not be too attractive). It sounds like you may have too many cacti in one holder.
2007-02-25 12:31:32 · answer #2 · answered by ivorytowerboy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋