---
title: "My Alluaudia procera soil was hydrophobic and I didn’t realize it…"
description: "My Alluaudia procera soil was hydrophobic and I didn’t realize it until several days ago. I ended up losing its leaves and is now shriveling at the tips. The…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/64bedf4c774c7ecef9eedff8"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Sadamber"
published: "2023-07-24T20:30:04.133Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/vPokQ1Qh1vKtvxpEHpsqLr2RQXU3KtqQx2CUJGSqud4/770b40f9020e456abb56ee3135b4fd36.webp?size=large"
---

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# My Alluaudia procera soil was hydrophobic and I didn’t realize it…

_Posted by Sadamber on 2023-07-24_

My Alluaudia procera soil was hydrophobic and I didn’t realize it until several days ago. I ended up losing its leaves and is now shriveling at the tips. The base is definitely not mushy but the tops are definitely shriveling. How should I handle this?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/vPokQ1Qh1vKtvxpEHpsqLr2RQXU3KtqQx2CUJGSqud4/770b40f9020e456abb56ee3135b4fd36.webp?size=large)

## 2 comments

### MummaDeb commented on 2023-07-24

I’m not sure what that means but if the soil is really wet, you could try putting a Tampax in the soil for a while and if that doesn’t do it, repot.  
Cool looking plant.

### Mara commented on 2023-07-24

I’ve experienced this quite a bit with purchasing evergreens from a nursery. I would use any container or tote large enough to submerse the entire pot (just above the surface of the soil) in water with a few drops of dawn dishwashing liquid or Castile soap. Let it soak for about 20 mins or until there are no bubbles coming to the surface. Try to keep it out of direct sunlight. This process will help hydrate the plant and make the roots more playable before a repot. I would give it fresh soil and mulch. I use pea gravel.

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