What Causes Brown Spots On Cactus? Brown spots are unsightly blemishes caused by a variety of factors. The patches signal poor plant health and can detract from your plant’s appearance. There are a few spots that can be hard to get rid of because of the difficulty in determining their cause. So, what causes brown spots on cactus, and how can you get rid of them?
Root rot illness, cork, or overwatering are the main causes of brown spots on cactus. Make sure that the plant gets at least four to twelve hours of sunlight each day and that the soil dries out between watering. If the black areas are caused by root rot, employ a fungicide to treat it.
A succulent that is too old may also develop brown areas on its leaves, at least in my experience. It’s possible that there’s nothing you can do about this, but there may be ways to conserve and resuscitate the plant for other reasons.
What Causes Brown Spots on Cactus?
The environment, improper care, and natural forces are all factors that contribute to brown/black patches. Brown spots on cactus can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Overwatering
One of the most common problems people have with indoor cacti is overwatering them. Watering a plant when it doesn’t appear to need it is the safest course of action. Under-watering your cactus is preferable to over-watering it.
A cactus differs from most other houseplants in that it has no leaves. When you’re used to living in the desert, each drop of water you can get is vital to your survival. A cactus that receives an excessive amount of moisture will eventually get dehydrated to the point of death. Choosing the right sort of pot (preferably terracotta or clay) would go a long way toward preventing excess water.
Under-exposure to sunlight
An early indicator of cactus malnutrition occurs when new growth becomes long, lanky, and reaches toward the source of light. So, keep an eye out for this sign to detect it early on and prevent more damage. Your cactus’s position in the pot can affect how much light it gets.
Even though it’s been resting near a sunny spot, if the cactus and soil are sitting at the bottom in the container (a few inches below), maybe it’s not getting enough light. In this circumstance, air circulation would be restricted as well. This can happen over time as the earth compacts, so repot your plants with more soil to move it near the top of the container, approximately a quarter-inch below.
Overexposure to sunlight
You may be surprised to learn that your cactus can be too bright, especially if it’s situated near a window that is too hot. If the tips of your cactus are becoming brown, it could be an indication of sunburn.
These dots might be dark yellow, brown, rusty, dark orange, or red in hue. This is a symptom that the cactus is sun-stressed, which may be readily remedied by relocating it to a location with less direct sunshine.
Pests, fungus, or disease
Your cactus may be infected with fungus, illness, or pests if you notice brown spots on cactus.
Take a look at the brown patch. As long as you can still press your finger into it, it’s likely not decaying, but rather fungus-infested tissue. Your browning cactus can be saved at this point, so don’t worry about it!
It’s possible that a fungicide can keep the brown spots from worsening, but they’ll be there for good. Cactus with hard brown blotches on them are also likely to have a scaling problem. Scale insects feed on the juices of your cactus (or succulent), resulting in hard, brown blotches. Scales can be removed by scrubbing the affected area with neem oil or bonide granules.
Why Is My Cactus Rotting Top Down?
A cactus can decay from the top down due to a variety of factors.
Fungal or disease infection or water intrusion are all potential causes of Cactus Rot. If a cactus is harmed in any manner, it is susceptible to disease or fungus spore infection. It’s not uncommon for the water to collect in the wound, resulting in the plant’s demise.
Bugs or animals nibbling on the plant could be to blame for the plant’s destruction. Everything from a person’s sneeze to the plant’s tipping over to a falling object could have caused this.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t know what caused it. The best part is that the techniques for salvaging a decaying cactus are the same regardless of how it began.
What is Causing My Cactus to Turn Yellow?
Are you wondering why your cactus is turning yellow?
When a cactus begins to turn yellow, it is indicating that it is beginning to rot. Following the above instructions will help you save your browning cactus plant.
In this case, it may be impossible to save a yellow-and-soft-mushy cactus from extinction.
What Is The Best Way To Get Rid Of Black Spots On My Cactus?
Cactus black spots arise as a result of being exposed to stressful conditions caused by abiotic or biotic causes. There are several possible causes for black patches on your cactus. What is the perfect way to remove all the black spots on cactus?
The first step is to determine the actual reason. Treatment options for black spots differ based on the reason. Excess light, high humidity, overwatering, low temperatures, and overfertilizing are all abiotic variables that can be controlled with easy approaches. It will be more difficult if the problem is caused by pathogens.
Can You Revive A Brown Cactus?
Is it possible for you to revive a brown cactus?
It all depends on how much browning there is. Allowing the cactus to die naturally is the best option if most of the plant is brown. It will be hard to try to preserve a cause that was already doomed.
The plant can still be saved if the browning isn’t too severe, though. Examine how the cacti react to the treatments you’ve given them. You’re on the correct route if the browning stops.
How Does A Cactus Look When It Is Overwatered?
Are you wondering what a catcus looks like when it is overwatered?
A cactus that has been overwatered will have brown sections that are squishy when handled. The roots have been destroyed, and the plant’s base is usually rotting and feeble. The base will easily separate from the roots if you attempted to lift it out of the dirt.
Brown stains on the cactus are an indication of an interior issue. It’s a signal you shouldn’t ignore. You’d miss the damage if you waited any longer.
Best Pots For Cactus 2022
Selecting the perfect Cactus Pots might be difficult. Cactus plants come in a variety of sizes, with some requiring larger containers than others. Instead of wasting your time, here are my own picks for the top five best pots for cacti in a limited space.
1. Goodman and Wife Fat Walled Terracotta Planters
Unglazed terracotta pots are a great choice for succulents. The pot’s walls can be permeated by water and air thanks to the material’s permeability. Unglazed terracotta dries up quickly, so you’ll have to water it more frequently—but you’ll be less inclined to overwater it.
Goodman and Wife’s set of pots has a seamless aesthetic that will go with practically any decor. Their elegant style is hard to come by in big-box stores. There are two pots in each set, each measuring 3.25 inches high by 4.5 inches wide, and a saucer is included to catch any extra water.
Pros:
- The design is stylish and neutral.
- Overwatering is discouraged by terracotta.
- In one bundle, you get two pots.
Cons:
- Porous materials need to be watered more frequently.
2. Novelty Full Depth Cylinder Pot
Novelty is a leader in the development of low-cost, long-lasting, and appealing lawn and garden products. Plastic cylinder pots made of type-5 recyclable polypropylene are used in the production of these products. They have a gleaming appearance and are light and airy. The pots come in a variety of sizes, with the smallest being 6 inches. They’re great for tall succulent kinds because of their depth.
Rather than using heavy, expensive, and brittle ceramic pots, these lightweight pots include built-in trays to keep surfaces like patios and decks dry. Despite the fact that plastic isn’t as permeable as ceramic or terracotta, these planters are well-drained. Keep a watch on the built-in tray, though, to make sure there isn’t any standing water.
Pros:
- A low-cost solution for little houseplants.
- For taller succulents, there is enough depth.
- It also has a built-in tray.
Cons:
- The tray does not detach from the pot, and water may collect.
3. NCYP Gold Glass Geometric Terrarium
Succulents and air plants of all sizes will thrive in this little pentagon terrarium! For a more modern look, choose between silver or black metal trim for the geometric glass bowl. Changing the angle of the open face allows you to experiment with different looks.
When put on a desk or side table, this distinctive planter provides a charming decorative addition. You should plan on using some kind of absorbent material like moss in the soil of the container to prevent water from seeping out of the terrarium, which is not completely impermeable.
Pros:
- The design is modern and geometric.
- For a variety of aesthetics, it can be directed up or to the side.
- There are three different metallic finishes available.
Cons:
- Glass can break or crack.
4. LIFVER Succulent Pots With Drainage
Succulents thrive in LIFVER Succulent Pots because of their draining bottoms. These planters are made of a natural and long-lasting material: ceramic. These containers have a unique drainage design that lets water start evaporating quickly. It’s also simple to keep an eye on the planter’s water level. Succulents can be grown in LIFVER pots with drainage bottoms to minimize overwatering.
The bottom of these pots has a drainage hole. Having this characteristic reduces the likelihood of mildew and rot by preventing excess water from penetrating the soil. Succulents can also grow to their maximum potential because of their vast capacity. cactus pots manufactured by LIFVER are constructed of ceramic, which is a durable and long-lasting material.
Pros:
- Overwatering is discouraged by terracotta.
- Ventilation and moisture are encouraged.
- It is difficult to distort.
Cons:
- It can only be used indoors.
Conclusion on What Causes Brown Spots On Cactus
The easiest approach to keep your cactus healthy is to prevent them from getting sick. Remember the basic growing requirements and strive to adhere to them as much as possible. Be fast to notice changes in the surroundings and make required adjustments.