causes of cactus shrinking
You’ve probably heard that cacti don’t need much maintenance; That is why they are among the most popular house plants and have many fans. Cactus is able to keep water in its stems so that when it does not have water, it can slowly use its reserve. However, you may see cacti shrink over time. In this case, it is necessary to check the conditions of the surrounding environment and if there is a problem, fix it immediately.
In the following article, we are going to examine the cause of cactus shrinking in detail. By avoiding these factors, you can bring an attractive appearance to your plants. It is necessary to know these points before getting acquainted with the cactus propagation method. Names of hanging plants for the balcony
The reason for the shrinking of the cactus
1) Lots of light
All people believe that the cactus is used to a lot of light and a lot of light does not harm it. As a result, to create a cactus arrangement at home, they place it in the sunniest part of the house and take care of it. This belief is not wrong; But it does not apply to apartment cacti that are used to apartment conditions. If you expose the plant to too much sun, you will likely see it shrink and die over time. home gardening
Prevention: To prevent this from happening, consider a place with soft light for your cactus to see its growth and development..
2) Sudden temperature changes
Another cause of cactus shrinking is sudden cold or warm temperature. If you live in a place with long, cold winters, your cactus will get used to that climate. When the climate of your city suddenly changes and turns from cold to hot, the cactus will not have enough time to adapt to the environment; As a result, it will be damaged and will become smaller day by day. Types of home cacti and their maintenance need a lot of attention. shrinking cactus
3) Lack of light
Just as too much light is harmful, too little light can cause a lot of damage to your cactus. If the plant does not get enough light, there is a possibility that it will shrink, thin and deteriorate over time; Because plants need sunlight to make the nutrients they need to photosynthesize.
If this light does not reach them, they will not get the nutrients they need and will be damaged. Sunlight also helps to make a substance called chlorophyll, which causes plants to turn green. If chlorophyll is not made, your plant will turn pale and yellow.
Solution: It is better to place the cactus in front of the southern windows so that it receives the least amount of light. If you don’t have access to a window, use a fluorescent LED bulb that mimics sunlight to prevent the cacti from shrinking.
4) Excessive watering
One cause of cactus shrinking is excessive watering. Knowing when to water the cactus is very important. When you overwater cacti, the roots and other parts of the cactus may rot and die. Cacti can store water in their stems to use when needed. By watering too much, you will not do them a favor, but you will harm them. shrinking cactus | cactus is shrinking
Solution: Preventing this from happening is very simple. Water the plant only when the soil is dry and every time empty the water that collects in the container under it to prevent their roots from rotting.
5) Low irrigation
Along with excessive watering, low watering can also cause the cactus to shrink. Cacti keep water inside their stems and leaves; That’s why most of them look bulky and full of water. If their water intake is low, there will be no more water in their tissues and they will eventually become dry or smaller.
It is better to have a regular schedule for watering them and stick to it so that watering the cacti becomes a routine and is never forgotten.
The last reason for cactus shrinking is improper soil. Check your cactus soil to make sure there are no problems. In general, cacti are adaptable plants and easily cope with different conditions; But soil that does not have the necessary nutrients and is not suitable for plants can cause great damage to them and cause cacti to become smaller and cause various types of cactus diseases. why is my cactus shrinking
Why is my cactus drying out
Prevent cactus from shrinking with proper watering
One of the reasons for cactus shrinking is improper watering, you should note that the way cacti are watered is different and the number of watering times is different depending on their type.
But in order to know when you should water your cactus, it is enough to dip a knuckle of your hand into the soil and if you feel that the soil is dry, water it. Also, keep in mind that cacti need more watering in the summer when the weather is hot and dry.
How often to water cactus
Weather conditions are one of the causes of cactus shrinking
As you know, weather conditions have a great influence on the growth of all plants and even cacti. Therefore, you should try to place it in the conditions and place that is compatible with it according to the type of your cactus.
For example, you may have placed it in an environment outside the house and you are hoping that the rain will water your plant, but you should also consider the amount of rain.
Why is my cactus shriveling up and turning brown
In some cases, your plant may not be watered with rain water, and in this situation, the root of the plant will gradually get watered, and you will see your cactus shrinking after a while. It is also possible that you have placed your cactus at home next to heating devices and you do not give it much water. As a result, your plant will shrink after a while and then it will completely die.
Pests are one of the causes of cactus shrinking
If you see that small insects are attached to the stem and leaves of your cactus, be sure that the cause of the shrinking of your plant is these small insects and pests. Because these types of insects stick to the plant and feed on the food and water in the stems and leaves of the plants. why is my cactus shrinking
Can a shriveled cactus be saved
Therefore, this will cause your cactus to not be able to receive the required water and reach its roots, and as a result, it will shrivel and its size will become smaller and smaller over time, and if you do not solve this problem, your plant will be completely destroyed. cactus is shrinking
If you see such insects and pests on your plant, remove them immediately. For this, you can first take your plant outside and wash it so that it is not damaged. But if this does not solve the problem, it is better to buy poison for these types of pests and spray it on your cactus. cactus shrunk