---
title: "my boy has been dropping leaves! there were SO much new growth on him…"
description: "my boy has been dropping leaves! there were SO much new growth on him recently and a lot of it has now fallen off. this is my first cactus so i really am…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/ycH6ieSHSzaA58ucTMVMqg"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Billie-Rae"
published: "2024-04-07T11:56:42.197519Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/QXwzDLdKtCfssEKqSP7gN8SXjGwrIAcb8Ddz0iWP0QU/64lwzucoT4eKjqon1ZyvUQ.webp?size=large"
---

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# my boy has been dropping leaves! there were SO much new growth on him…

_Posted by Billie-Rae on 2024-04-07_

my boy has been dropping leaves! there were SO much new growth on him recently and a lot of it has now fallen off. this is my first cactus so i really am unsure what im doing wrong?? any advise or pointers would be appreciated

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/QXwzDLdKtCfssEKqSP7gN8SXjGwrIAcb8Ddz0iWP0QU/64lwzucoT4eKjqon1ZyvUQ.webp?size=large)

## 5 comments

### Josie commented on 2024-04-07

Most cactuses thrive on neglect and sunlight. I have had a cactus since December and I’ve watered it maybe twice and it’s healthy. The soil matters to you need a very well draining soil.

#### Billie-Rae replied on 2024-04-07

i got mine for christmas and have watered it twice since! admittedly, my friend potted it in a pot with no drainage so i haven’t watered TOO thoroughly on the occasions that I have and the soil could deffo be chunkier and better drainage. maybe a repot??

#### Josie replied on 2024-04-07

I would highly recommend a repot with good chunky soil then. Cacti need drainage to thrive. Hope it helps!

### Sophie has commented on 2024-04-07

I’d recommend fast draining cacti soil, even sand, cacti like to be very dry, and a pot with drainage holes☺️

### Rachael commented on 2024-04-07

It looks like it’s inside. The only times I’ve had cacti inside I’ve also had grow lights on them. Idk if that could be the problem though.

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