If the soil is not dry, move the pot to an area where the cactus can get more sun. Black Spots on Cactus. If the cactus is turning yellow or brown, it is getting too much sunlight and you should move it into a spot with better shade. However, not all cacti species thrive in the hot sun. Discoloration, shakiness, and mushy roots are often signs of cactus root rot. Other symptoms may include your cactus turning brown or black. Rinse the roots to remove the fungus and trim rotten areas. It does not seem to be really soft and mushy. You may be able to save the plant if you catch the disease early. Remove the cactus from its pot then begin inspecting the roots. Rot is caused by the skin of the cactus getting punctured some how, some ways are: An insect or animal biting the plant Debris in a monsoon storm hitting the plant Someone purposely poking the plant Another plant growing into the plant Photographs of mold growth on the Nopal cactus, Opuntia Mill. What kind of cactus is this? Corking happens naturally when a cactus matures. The most common reason for this is age and is called corking. Remove the cactus from its pot. 1. What are the causes, cures, & preventive methods for cactus … Instead of yellow, a cactus can also turn brown. Thanks. All the information, content and live chat provided on the site is intended to be for informational purposes only, and not a substitute for professional or medical advice. Cacti are relatively problem-free plants, often only suffering from a few sap-feeding insects. Attached Files: GEDC0747.jpg File size: 104.7 KB And here’s why root rots are common in cacti plants: Cacti have a wide, shallow root system to maximize water collection in their natural habitat. Cactus turning black Huge pimple turned black Download Here Free HealthCareMagic App to Ask a Doctor. and Saguaro in the wild as well as cacti in landscaping, gardens & kept as houseplants ? The disease, which causes the plants to wilt and eventually die, is identified by a wilted appearance and soggy, black or reddish brown roots. Some of them require minimal light and partial shade to do well. Check the plant for any signs of the roots rotting. Cut away any brown or black parts of the cactus to prevent rot from spreading. Cacti really don’t like to be watered very often, of course this depends on the specific cactus you have but in general these are pretty drought resistant plants. This may sound abnormal because most of us tend to think that cacti plants are sun-loving, desert plants. First Step is to Identify that your cactus has rot. Fix root rot in Cactus. Rot is a dark brownish-black spot that will start to ooze. Corking gives the plant a woody appearance. Another common cause of a cactus turning black can be attributed root rot which can be caused by overwatering, poor draining soil or a combination of both. 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