---
title: "The base pads seem too skinny except for one. This is the growth…"
description: "The base pads seem too skinny except for one. This is the growth after potting the pads from the original plant that had issues (older post). It keeps growing…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/XrUvLvsivckBhtM8Np4sCs"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Amy"
published: "2025-09-03T13:39:57.701375Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ahCTRv8h6e5pa1M_fMqIQJS4xBzv5FFRs_TH1XgqF0c/zIMiSfenQv2JfuRyUDVUDg.webp?size=large"
---

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# The base pads seem too skinny except for one. This is the growth…

_Posted by Amy on 2025-09-03_

The base pads seem too skinny except for one. This is the growth after potting the pads from the original plant that had issues (older post). It keeps growing but the base didn’t seem to get thick enough prior to all the new growth. I fear they will keep leaning as it’s still establishing roots and will eventually break. Do I leave it be?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ahCTRv8h6e5pa1M_fMqIQJS4xBzv5FFRs_TH1XgqF0c/zIMiSfenQv2JfuRyUDVUDg.webp?size=large)

## 5 comments

### JuicyCactussy commented on 2025-09-04

Break if off if you want, it looks like that because of etiolation

#### Amy replied on 2025-09-05

Makes sense. It’s so difficult out here in the desert ironically because when it had full sun they would fall over more and break

#### JuicyCactussy replied on 2025-09-05

Wait how does that happen? Did it get too sunburnt and weakened?

#### Amy replied on 2025-09-11

The leaning? I think there’s multiple reasons. One, the base can’t support them and two heat stress, that I know of.

#### JuicyCactussy replied on 2025-09-12

Okay because if they are flopping over not because of etiolation, then that is normal. And depending on the species of Opuntia, part sun should be fine for that to keep it more compact.

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