---
title: "How should I handle my shriveled cactus? It started shriveling up…"
description: "How should I handle my shriveled cactus? It started shriveling up about 10 days ago. I pulled it out to check for root rot (3rd pic) and then repotted it back…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/BfKHnq53FADtf9QDZDTkJR"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "R"
published: "2025-10-04T20:39:41.708703Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/uWwOI_6z0ql5KD3SOfdmHukpP2VJntn0VqCVxHdsJOM/4qHbmKqvRpOtyrIX4KjuZw.webp?size=large"
---

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# How should I handle my shriveled cactus? It started shriveling up…

_Posted by R on 2025-10-04_

How should I handle my shriveled cactus?

It started shriveling up about 10 days ago. I pulled it out to check for root rot (3rd pic) and then repotted it back in.

I haven’t watered since repotting because I was worried doing so soon after, but my gut says it’s really dry. Any advice?

![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/uWwOI_6z0ql5KD3SOfdmHukpP2VJntn0VqCVxHdsJOM/4qHbmKqvRpOtyrIX4KjuZw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/uWwOI_6z0ql5KD3SOfdmHukpP2VJntn0VqCVxHdsJOM/LiwKMlDNS_CPXB8RCEh6LQ.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/uWwOI_6z0ql5KD3SOfdmHukpP2VJntn0VqCVxHdsJOM/8QBD4kPOTzWD6hXirSy8-Q.webp?size=large)

## 3 comments

### Yup commented on 2025-10-04

Give a big drink and a smaller pot might help

### Waspinator commented on 2025-10-05

Yep he's super thirsty. Normally i wouldn't suggest it with a cactus, but this guy could probably do a 20 minute bottom-watering soak to help him rehydrate (just make sure it drains really well after.) And i agree on the smaller pot; cacti usually prefer a tighter fit

### Southwest sister commented on 2025-10-06

Yeah, I would water it. The worst she could do is kill it, but I think you’re killing it now so surprising cactus actually do like water

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