---
title: "I’ve got this mystery cactus and can’t figure out why it started…"
description: "I’ve got this mystery cactus and can’t figure out why it started dropping so much. The roots are fine and I repotted it to a smaller pot with better drainage…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/6505030d5dc33e17848379bf"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "Syd"
published: "2023-09-16T01:21:17.044Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/iaMGUWANfGT7sRIqYdpQbW67-sWYI5hYJQe9CRL5iuc/4f0d280f17f64d4aab6c19eb5e337437.webp?size=large"
---

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# I’ve got this mystery cactus and can’t figure out why it started…

_Posted by Syd on 2023-09-16_

I’ve got this mystery cactus and can’t figure out why it started dropping so much. The roots are fine and I repotted it to a smaller pot with better drainage so it’s not in this white one anymore. This white pot didn’t have drainage so I was always stingy when watering it because I didn’t want root rot and I’m thinking maybe it’s just really dehydrated? A few hours ago I gave it a bunch of water and am hoping to see a change?

I also put a stick in it to hold it upright. The cactus isn’t squishy but the base isn’t as thick as it was a few weeks ago and looks just the faintest bit shriveled.

I’m new to cacti so any advice would be sooooo appreciated ❤️ have a great day!

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/iaMGUWANfGT7sRIqYdpQbW67-sWYI5hYJQe9CRL5iuc/4f0d280f17f64d4aab6c19eb5e337437.webp?size=large)

## 4 comments

### alex commented on 2023-09-16

put him in a pit with drainage and water thoroughly when you do !!

### Denial Island commented on 2023-09-16

I have a friend at work who has one of those that grew is a mystery plant out of another plant and that’s just how it grows long and stringing like that

### Fluffy Tail commented on 2023-09-16

It could also be looking for more light. She’s quite etiolated, meaning stretched out, and plants do that when they need more light.

#### Syd replied on 2023-09-17

Got it! Just ordered a grow light

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