Cactus spines are produced from specialized structures called areoles, a kind of highly reduced branch. Areoles are an identifying feature of cacti. As well as spines, areoles give rise to flowers, which are usually tubular and multipetaled. Cactusstem and branchrot, for instance, is caused by a species of an already familiar fungal pathogen: Aspergillus, though the species particular to this cactus problem is alliaceus. Aspergillus alliaceus is fungus that has been a problem for ornamental cactus for a long time. Rotting is one of the most common complications for cacti lovers. Rotting can be a devastating issue, as it can damage or kill the plant if left unchecked. Signs of a rottingcactus include soft and mushy stems, discoloration and browning of the top, wilting and foul odor. Cactusrot is a serious condition that can be caused by excess moisture around the cactus or by fungal or bacterial infections. Rot can occur at any stage of the cactus’s life and can spread quickly. The most common types of cactusrot include basal or crown rot, stemrot, and root rot. How is the stem modified in a cactus? Cacti are plants that have succulent stems, pads or branches with scales and spines instead of leaves. Cactus pads are actually modified stems with a waxy coating. Saving a cactus plant from stemrot. When the rotting occurs near the tip of the plant or in the middle stem, all you have to do is cut and toss off the rotting section using pruning shears or a sharp knife. Discover videos related to How to Save Moon CactusRottingStem on TikTok. Last updated .Learn how to save a rottedcactus by identifying, cutting, and treating the affected area with sterilized tools. Table of ContentIdentifying Root RotinCactus PlantsTreating a RottingCactusCacti will show clear signs of cactusstem discoloration when root rot is left untreated. The first step in treating a cactus with rot is to identify the signs. Look for soft, mushy spots on the cactus, especially near the base or on the lower parts of the stem. These spots may be discolored, dark, or even black. The cactus may also start to smell unpleasant. Common Causes of Prickly Pear CactusRot. Rotin prickly pear cacti primarily stems from environmental conditions leading to excessive moisture. Overwatering is the leading cause, as these desert-adapted plants store water and require minimal irrigation. Broken Stems. Branchingcacti can be damaged by wind, garden equipment, herbivores such as wood rats and jackrabbits, or by dropping a potted specimen. Enterobacteria stem soft rot usually afflicts the tips of pitaya branches. Symptoms appear about 15 days from infection, wherein the tips of the plant soften, yellow, and begin to rot. Removing rotting or diseased tissue from a cactus and allowing the healthy parts to callus over is crucial for successful propagation, as callus formation can protect the plant tissue and promote new root growth. The first step in reviving a cactus with root rot is to remove the affected parts. Sunburn on a Cereus Cactusbranch. This branch turned and is now lying on the ground resulting in a sudden increase in sun exposure to just one part of the branch. The same thing can happen to Dragon Fruit cacti. Note, only the most sun exposed side of the branch got sunburn.
