Planta
Volver a Pests, diseases and problems

Got this variegated prickly pear about 2-3 weeks ago, didn’t water… | Pests, diseases and problems | Comunidad de Planta

jere

Got this variegated prickly pear about 2-3 weeks ago, didn’t water for 16 days after I bought it and put it in a south facing window. Noticed it started looking a bit wrinkly and soft so I gave it a thorough watering 2 days ago - now it seems a bit more sturdy at the bottom but still soft at the top, so I checked its roots and they look healthy and fine, no sign of rot. However, found 2 tiny transparent worm in the soil which Im assuming are fungus gnat larvae, so I repotted it and sprayed with diluted hydrogen peroxide, should I water its new soil or keep it dry? Since it’s soft Im not sure what to do and if the worms or underwatering is the cause of this issue! What do you guys think, is my cactus okay?

Adjunto 1 de 4Adjunto 2 de 4Adjunto 3 de 4Adjunto 4 de 4
1 me gusta 3 comentarios

3 comentarios

  1. Jbear13

    I’m not a pro by any means but just a little tidbit I learned… a translucent worm like thing could also be a beneficial nematode! I had found one crawling about in one of my first Walmart rescues and got so worried lol. But come to find out it was a “good” little worm 🤓 just let your prickly pear relax for a bit in its new soil and hopefully it will prosper!

    2 Me gusta
  2. eatyacarbs

    cool looking paddle! here’s the thing — it has so few roots that rot could be lurking right around the corner. go verrrryy sparingly with water until those roots get more established. if you’ve watered this like a normal plant, that’s the problem. tiny roots in a comparatively large pot will rot your cactus with the quickness, as there aren’t enough roots to make use of all the water. with healthy roots it’s best practice to water thoroughly until water runs through the pot (or bottom watering) — in this case, i would only do a liiiiittle bit of water just at the base of the plant only when it’s bone dry. underwatering is always better than over with cactus & succs good luck!!

    2 Me gusta
    • eatyacarbs

      i would get this as close to your sunniest window as possible, too — south facing is best, west in a pinch

      2 Me gusta