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Hi, I've had this moon cactus, who I call Sunshine, for at least… | Pests, diseases and problems | Planta community

My Leafy Life

Hi, I've had this moon cactus, who I call Sunshine, for at least three years. I read sometime ago that they tend to die after two or three years. I've been watching for short spots, one sign that they're dying. She doesn't have any. What is noticed is the top of the moon seems to be creating a separation and the color of the lower portion is fading. I water and fertilize following Planta's schedule unless she's not dry enough. I also read that it's good to remove the babies so it can stay focused on the main moon. To clarify when I say "I read" that means I've checked two of more sites I trust. Should I be worried? Is this a sign it's dying? The first four picture were taken today after giving her fresh soil. The others are over the course of three years.

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5 comments

  1. Tom

    Don’t know anything about this cactus, but seeing the picture I’d like to purchase one in future if my garden centre sells it in the uk, it’s done well if 4yrs old and life expectancy is only 2-3

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  2. plantgeek

    The top part will inevitably die as it has no chlorophyll. the stem, however, can absolutely be saved for longer and it will eventually re-bloom.

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    • My Leafy Life

      Rebloom? I don't know what kind of cactus it is. I know that portion will continue to live but not even my normal cactuses have ever bloomed. 😂

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    • plantgeek

      typically all cactuses bloom. cactuses are flowering plants. the portion that's colorful is not actually the same plant as the stem, it has been grafted on and entirely depends on the stem for nutrients. the colorful bit of plant will die. the stem is actually dragonfruit cactus and can be saved. moon cacti are not naturally occurring.

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  3. My Leafy Life

    Yep, I know cactuses flower. Mine just never have. ☹️ I only have three and they're small ones. I'm not surprised they haven't bloomed.I don't think it's the right atmosphere for them but they have grown a lot in four years. I know it's grafted and I looked up the bottom part after I got it. I just don't recall the name of the cactus. My concern is the way the moon appears to be separating. It was a normal looking moon when I got it but over the last few months it's started to appear like it's separating. The lower portion of the moon isn't soft, so it must be healthy-ish, and the entire thing must be getting enough water and fertilizer, which is why I can't figure out what's happening.

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