Can a cactus survive after rotting?
As a widely loved succulent plant, the cactus has become the preferred choice for home greenery with its unique shape and drought-resistant characteristics. When the cactus shows signs of rot such as softening and discoloration, timely scientific treatment can restore 80% of the plants. This article systematically analyzes the complete revival process from symptom diagnosis to postoperative care.
Emergency Treatment Plan for Rotting Cactus
1. Accurately Identify the Level of Rot
Mild Rot: Only the epidermis shows brown spots with a diameter ≤2cm. Moderate Rot: Lesions extend to 1/3 of the surface flesh layer. Severe Rot: The rot area exceeds half of the cactus and is accompanied by an odor.
2. Surgical Pruning
Use a gardening knife burned with alcohol to obliquely cut the affected part, and the incision should extend to 0.5cm of healthy tissue. It is recommended to operate in the early morning on sunny days to take advantage of natural UV sterilization. Important Note: Wear protective gloves while cutting to avoid contact with the cactus sap.
3. Wound Healing Management
Place the treated plant in a well-ventilated environment at 25℃, and spray the wound with a carbendazim solution (1:1000 concentration). Adjust the drying period according to the size of the incision: - Diameter ≤3cm: Dry for 3-5 days - Diameter 3-5cm: Dry for 7-10 days - Diameter ≥5cm: Dry for more than 15 days
4. Scientific Soil Mixing and Transplanting
Use a mixture of perlite: vermiculite: river sand = 2:1:1 to ensure good drainage and breathability. After transplanting, let it sit for 3 days and then water a small amount along the pot edge, keeping the substrate moisture ≤30%. It is recommended to use red陶 pots to help with water evaporation.
Key Points for Postoperative Care of Cactus
During the recovery period, it is necessary to strictly control the light intensity, placing it near the east-facing windowsill for morning sunlight for the first 15 days. Maintain the temperature between 18-28℃, and keep the day-night temperature difference within 8℃. Add a dilute phosphorus potassium fertilizer (diluted 2000 times) once a month to promote root development.
Through precise staged intervention, new white fluffy roots can be seen after about 60-90 days. At this time, it can be gradually transferred to normal care, taking care to keep the potting soil dry in winter and avoiding strong sunlight at noon in summer, allowing the revived cactus to show even more vigorous vitality.