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I have been trying to care for a rat tail cactus for several years… | The Cactus & Succulent Circle | Planta community

MeasomerPi

I have been trying to care for a rat tail cactus for several years now. It’s like having a cat. I love it and it despises my very existence. This morning I see the fruits of my love showing up as large portions of rot setting in, again. I’ve chopped off the good parts to restart the plant, again. But honestly I am kinda over it. The only reason I’m holding onto it now is it was a present from my hugsband (we have fun). If it doesn’t survive this time, I think we’ll try our luck with kids. Seriously though, does anyone have advice? I would like to make this work.

7 likes 7 comments

7 comments

  1. Penny L

    First off, I’d choose cactuses over kids any day. 😎 So really give that decision some thought… If the problem is consistently rot, is it an overwatering/humidity issue? Is it in fast draining soil and in a pot with good drainage? Are you misting it? (Yikes, no😶) How often do you water it? Does it get enough direct sunlight? And do you sing to it? That could be a factor 😂

    5 likes
    • MeasomerPi

      It’s probably over watered. Or the singing. I feel like I have the others covered. Nah, not the singing. I have the voice of an angel. No really. 😶

      4 likes
    • Anya

      Stooop too good

      2 likes
  2. Penny L

    My advice would be to get a moisture meter so you can tell when the soil is still too moist. I have two teensy cactuses that I only water about once every eight weeks depending on the season. If you’re worried about the singing, you can always try rap. I feel like a cactus could dig rap. 🌵

    5 likes
    • Anya

      Omg I’m loving this comment section

      2 likes
  3. Danika

    On succulents that i tend to overwater, i resoil them into a straight bonsai jack succulent rock mix, so that i can water them like a normal plant lol. That stuff is great for overwaters like me. It dries out so quickly so nothing can rot.

    6 likes
    • MeasomerPi

      Bonsai Jack, moisture meters and rap. I think I can do this. I’m very relieved. So no ready to be a mommy dearest. Thanks for all the great advice!

      6 likes