What to Do When a Cactus Turns Yellow? A Complete Guide to Causes, Treatment and Propagation Methods

Cacti can survive even in the desert, which is enough to show how tenacious their vitality is. Many beginners at plant growing choose a plant with such strong self-survival ability. However, the growing environment of a home-grown cactus still differs greatly from that of nature, which causes cacti to frequently develop problems during cultivation. Today let us take a look at the causes of cacti turning yellow and the solutions.

What to Do When a Cactus Turns Yellow (Causes and Treatment Methods)

1. Overwatering. When the potting soil remains in an overly wet state for a long time, it is extremely short of oxygen, the cactus gradually rots, and the normal absorption of nutrients and water is hindered, so the leaves turn yellow and drop off. At this point, watering should be stopped, fertilizer should be suspended, and the soil should be kept aerated.

2. Drought and dehydration. Exactly the opposite of the above, this is because when watering plants the top is wet and the bottom is dry, which affects the cactus's absorption of water, causing the leaves to be dull yellow without luster and to gradually wither, turn yellow and drop off from the bottom upward. At this time, stop watering or spraying, and keep suitable conditions so it gradually recovers.

3. Long-term lack of fertilizer. If the soil has not been changed for a long time, the pot should be turned out in time and compound flower fertilizer gradually increased.

4. Excessive fertilizing. Because of too much fertilizer, the old leaves gradually drop off. At this point, stop fertilizing, appropriately increase water, immediately turn out the pot, and rinse the root ball with water.

5. High heat. The cactus needs to be moved promptly to a cool, ventilated place.

6. Excessive shading. Because it has been placed in a shady spot for a long time, it does not absorb enough sunlight, so it needs to be moved promptly to a ventilated, sunny place.

7. Alkaline soil and water. In the northern regions where soil and water tend to be alkaline, the soil lacks soluble iron, so the needles gradually wither and turn yellow. Alum fertilizer water should be applied in time.

8. No air circulation. Prune reasonably to let light through; because dense branches and leaves easily cause leaf drop, pay attention to ventilation and light penetration.

9. Dry air. If the air is too dry, pay attention to spraying water and appropriately increase air humidity.

10. Improper temperature. Because of the changes of the four seasons, room temperature also changes accordingly, so pay attention to adjusting the room temperature to a suitable level in time.

11. Acidic soil. The loss of chemical elements in the soil causes the soil to become acidic, so alkaline solutions such as calcium magnesium phosphate need to be applied.

12. Pests and diseases. Because of pathogens, leaf spot disease is easily triggered, causing branches and leaves to wither and turn yellow, so spray pesticides in time for prevention and control.

13. Strong irritation. If the concentration of pesticide sprayed is too high, toxic gases are produced and cause pollution, leading to the whole plant dying. Pesticides should be used reasonably, air pollution should be prevented, and correct judgments should be made to suit the remedy to the case.

A Complete Guide to Cactus Propagation Methods

1. Cactus cuttings propagation

For cactus cuttings propagation, first cut 1 to 4 stem segments, or a large branch that can branch, as the cutting. Before planting the cutting, dry it in the sun for three days until it is dry.

Prepare the cutting medium: use nutrient soil, river sand, peat soil, etc. as the cutting material; once the medium is chosen, directly take the already sun-dried cutting and insert it into the soil. After inserting it, place it in a warm, light-filled spot for care, pay attention to watering less, and wait for it to take root and sprout.

2. Cactus seed propagation

First, you can pollinate the cactus flower; with your help, you only need to use a cotton swab to dab pollen onto the stigma. After a period of growth, the fruit will mature, and then you can take the seeds out of the fruit and wash them clean.

After washing them clean, wrap the seeds in gauze; then prepare potting soil, water it well, and sow the seeds in the potting soil, placing it in a shady spot for care. After the seedlings emerge, they can be transplanted and grown in place.

3. Cactus grafting propagation

When grafting, first choose a robust ball seedling free of pathogens, cut off the tip, and peel off the outer skin. Then prepare a well-growing leafy cactus plant as the auxiliary rootstock, cut off the bottom of the ball seedling, and expose the core of the ball.

Can Cactus Fruit Be Eaten

Cactus fruit can be eaten, and it tastes cool and crisp; however, note that not every kind of cactus fruit can be eaten. It can only be eaten according to whether it is an edible variety, so when you see cactus fruit again, since you do not know its type, it is better not to eat it carelessly.

The Effects of Cactus Fruit

1. The flesh contains many rich trace elements, protein, amino acids, vitamins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, pectin and other substances, all of which are beneficial elements for the human body.

2. The fruit can be eaten as food; it can be peeled and eaten directly, or made into a small dish and stir-fried.

3. It also has medicinal effects, and can remove dampness and reduce heat, promote the flow of qi and invigorate blood, and promote tissue regeneration, etc.

4. The fruit can also promote the expansion and regeneration of normal human fibroblasts, help injured people heal wounds, and clear away bacteria that inflame wounds, etc.

5. Substances can be extracted from the fruit that can accelerate wound healing, make skin soft and delicate, prevent dry skin, and reduce wrinkles, etc., treating wounds and also providing beauty care.

Although cacti have relatively tenacious vitality, you still need to pay more attention during cultivation. After all, water, soil and light are the essential conditions any plant relies on to survive. Give a cactus a suitable growing environment, and perhaps it can even produce fruit; its fruit has very high edible value and medicinal value.