I have a little cactus (only a few inches tall) that seems to have become seriously ill. It has turned mostly brown and has shrunk considerably (which made me think it wasn't over-watering). One of its spikes seems to be coming a bit loose as well. Is there any saving it? And what have I done to it to make it this way?
Root rot. The cause is usually water, too much and/or at wrong time. The risk increases if the plant is grown in an organic-rich medium like peat (mass-produced plants often are).
Thank you for your help, the cactus is now definitely dead, if I get another I'll make sure not to make the same mistakes!
Most cactus growers in Central/Northern Europe do not water their cacti in winter, except for a few species. We prefer to store them dry and cool until spring, when there is enough sun to keep them growing well.
