I have three mammillaria cacti, all bought roughly @ the same time, from the same shop, planted in the same potting mix & getting the same care. They are in individual pots on a tray so they are exposed to the same conditions, which is on an outside protected patio, getting a.m. sun. The hahniana & the bocasana are looking quite good, in fact the bocasana has flowered despite its small size, BUT, the matudae is getting smaller & smaller. Looks as though it is imploding. Do your cactus experts think it is worthwhile persisting with , or just cut my losses, remove it & buy a new one. Have read they can die for no real reason, is this true?? Many thanks for any advice.
In my experience, cactus that shrink in size are either rotting, or have dried inside for whatever reason.
Thanks Bluewing, I think I'll call it quits & put it out of its misery. The poor thing looks quite deflated. I guess my cactus really is cactus. Ah well, you can't win 'em all, can you??
Removed the cactus. It had no roots left & when dissected, was completely dried out inside. Whatever the cause, it did happen quickly. The other two appear to be ok. Another mystery.
