---
title: "My pencil cactus is looking quite sad :-( any tips? I tried watering…"
description: "My pencil cactus is looking quite sad :-( any tips? I tried watering it a couple days ago even though Planta didn’t say to to try to revive it"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/19DvZ3pg9HyRelepRTo9HD"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Kris"
published: "2026-02-05T21:49:10.722191Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/wD0bUGYpT8S-Ujl-oqTh2QSHOH_q9lRWZG4LPfycPms/egTM4XiKQ2qvHXIvzQLYbw.webp?size=large"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Pests, diseases and problems](https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ.md)

# My pencil cactus is looking quite sad :-( any tips? I tried watering…

_Posted by Kris on 2026-02-05_

My pencil cactus is looking quite sad :-( any tips? I tried watering it a couple days ago even though Planta didn’t say to to try to revive it

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/wD0bUGYpT8S-Ujl-oqTh2QSHOH_q9lRWZG4LPfycPms/egTM4XiKQ2qvHXIvzQLYbw.webp?size=large)

## 4 comments

### Molly commented on 2026-02-06

Is that where you usually keep it? If so, it needs a lot more light, possibly a growlight and make sure the soil is well draining..

### Mindy commented on 2026-02-06

I agree, mine was also struggling until I moved it outdoors in full sun and it started thriving!

### Qbert commented on 2026-02-17

They like a lot of outdoor sunshine and very well draining soil.

### BalconyGardener commented on 2026-04-04

I have mine living happily on my TV unit, in water only. It’s a beautiful deep green, I know if I place it outside it may change colour to orange / yellow which I don’t want.  
I’m happy and so is my pencil cactus.

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