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How to save this cactus please

Discussion in 'Cacti and Succulents' started by OrangeHeart, Dec 26, 2025 at 2:57 PM.

  1. OrangeHeart

    OrangeHeart Gardener

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    Hello, I have 2 cacti the same, think they're Echinopsis. Recently one has become very ill looking. It's become pale and shriveled.

    Last week I took it from the pot and soaked it in a dish of water, but it hasn't improved. Very little root on it when I took it out.

    Any suggestions please on how I can save it.
    I've had cacti for many years but not seen this happen before.

    IMG_20251226_144707.jpg IMG_20251226_144714.jpg IMG_20251226_144727~2.jpg
     
  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    They probably wont be doing much this time of year so I'd be careful with the soaking, just keep them barely moist and not near a heat source, possibly on a window sill until around mid march, then you can try to bring the wrinkled one back to life, the other one looks fine to me.
     
  3. OrangeHeart

    OrangeHeart Gardener

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    Yes, the other is fine, nice and healthy. This one has been going downhill since spring / summer shrivelling more and more
     
  4. Michael Hewett

    Michael Hewett Total Gardener

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    It sounds as if the problem is with the roots. Have you noticed vine weevil grubs in the soil ?
    Another reason could be that it's been kept too damp, not enough drainage maybe and the roots have rotted ?
     
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