I saved a pathetic cactus about 6 years ago from certain death. It is a three sided one that just needed lots of light and transplanting. One thing though, it had a severe gash in the main stem (the whole plant was about 12 inches tall) that was so large, I thought I should just lop it off. For some reason, I didn't, and it grew like crazy in my south facing windows. I don't usually give it water in the soil but I mist it every day along with a different cactus which is doing great. Now, years later, it's about 3 feet tall, and was looking pretty awesome up till about this last winter, when it began to "lose weight" The spot where the cut is has grown three branches off of it so it's a large plant now. The whole cactus has gotten flat and shriveled and the gashed area is feeling spongey. Is it a goner, or is there some way I can save it again? The gash feels moist, like it is retaining the water but the whole plant looks like it's thirsty, as it used to be thick and healthy looking. It's so sad looking-- help! I don't know what to do!
Maybe a little more water to support it's structure. The few I have (cacti) are in pots around the porch and because they get probably too much water they grow rich and big and plump Liz
A wound that old should not be spongy, especially not if it is lacking water, so it does not sound good. Can you provide a picture? Unusual way of watering cacti, by the way. Cacti of that size have rather big roots.
Is it possible that the roots arent getting enough water? Has there been any cold damage? I had some plants that were shipped in cold weather,and they remained spongy and unfirm until there was new growth, which is when I cut the old limp stuff off. Just a few ideas, a picture would help a lot!
