--- title: "what is wrong with my cactus???" description: "what is wrong with my cactus???" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/KYhsy6uhTXqk82DFIuZN2g" community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle" author: "Madison" published: "2024-07-05T20:34:18.986885Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/RUJBAWkHlVjPmTmdw0u__e3euKuYBNQrtBBAZQIUhXc/JrL3T2tGRuqq-XH9cMhSFA.webp?size=large" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [The Cactus \& Succulent Circle](https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w.md) # what is wrong with my cactus??? _Posted by Madison on 2024-07-05_ what is wrong with my cactus??? ![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/RUJBAWkHlVjPmTmdw0u__e3euKuYBNQrtBBAZQIUhXc/JrL3T2tGRuqq-XH9cMhSFA.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/RUJBAWkHlVjPmTmdw0u__e3euKuYBNQrtBBAZQIUhXc/RAuHEBIXQnmq-KLn6NUZQg.webp?size=large) ## 15 comments ### Plant lover!!! commented on 2024-07-05 How often do you water? #### Madison replied on 2024-07-05 not very often ### Plant lover!!! commented on 2024-07-05 Is it in full sun? #### Madison replied on 2024-07-05 no ### Plant lover!!! commented on 2024-07-05 Well, it is a cactus and cactuses prefer more light so that could be what is causing the problem. #### Madison replied on 2024-07-05 it gets a good amount of light, i’ve had this cactus for 3 years ### Plant lover!!! commented on 2024-07-05 Then it definitely could be pests have you checked? ### Plant lover!!! commented on 2024-07-05 Oh and I mentioned cacti 😂 ### S.R commented on 2024-07-05 Older cacti sometimes undergo a process called corking, but I think it usually starts at the bottom and works it’s way up. Stay tuned, I’m sure others will chime in!! ### Chrissy commented on 2024-07-05 If that was my cacti I would get it into full sun asap. They can handle less than full sun but the bigger they get the weaker the body can get. Put it outside in full morning sun for a week then move it to stronger sun if you can. Report back if you can! ### Mara commented on 2024-07-06 Ok friends, this type of Mammillaria does not need or want to be in full sun. It would be quite damaging. If you have it by a window where it can receive a few hours of sun and/or supplement with a good quality grow light overhead it would be just fine. I don’t know what has caused the damage… could be pest, poor air circulation, over/under watering (but doesn’t look it) or temperature change, but it is not typical corking on an older cactus. This one is quite young. Just look it over for pests. By the photo, your cactus seems ok other than it leaning to one side which is probably from it being stationary. If you wish to correct the lean, a grow light overhead would help along with placing a stake opposite the bend of your cactus but it has to be done gradually being careful to not break spines (try jute twine or plant velcro). #### Chrissy replied on 2024-07-06 Is it not a Mammillaria Melanocentra or Spiney Pincusion? #### Mara replied on 2024-07-06 My goodness, I’m so sorry about this. I should have said, this cactus does not necessarily need to be outside in full sun and not that it doesn’t want it. My thought process before I went to bed was regarding my own experience and conditions with growing cacti indoors. #### Chrissy replied on 2024-07-06 I believe know your cacti - you have an impressive collection! I was just wondering since I have a similar one that does MUCH better outside in the sun. #### Mara replied on 2024-07-07 Thank you so much! I totally agree with you about them doing much better outside. Currently, I have 14 different cacti living outside. Mammillaria are inside because I have found they are able to grow new spines and flower indoors successfully. Please forgive if I get over passionate in my comments. I get a little insane about keeping a controlled climate for “most” of my cacti indoors. I do love and appreciate everyone’s success. 💚 --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_