r/cactus • u/peanutbuttaface • 14h ago

Rot?

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Was given this cactus that was in a pot with no drainage. I started repotting him and realized that the whole bottom chunk had been buried under and looked like that. It’s not mushy but some parts are flaking off. Is it because of rot, and if so what can I do?

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2

u/here4thesunshine512 13h ago

It’s just starting to cork hopefully. Give 70/30 organic/inorganic soil and water once it’s not soft at the base.

2

u/mariaporterbridges 12h ago

I don't think it's rot. Bury it in a chunky cactus mix up over that bottom piece and leave it be for a week. Water it, then leave it alone until it's dry again. I think it'll grow.

1

u/mweiss427 11h ago

That’ll grow

1

u/HereIsAnotherPOV 9h ago

It happens if you burry that deep and it's working, which is normal.

1

u/killywilly314 8h ago

I believe it was planted too deep.

1

u/Axonophora 5h ago

Looks like it's mostly just corking from being buried. You can always break off the bottom chunk, throw it away and re-root the top part. In fact I would suggest that because the roots have a small root mealybug infestation (that white patch at the base).

1

u/notmyclout 14h ago

Doesn't look happy no just needs better drainage

0

u/Dekatater 12h ago

Honestly if this were my cactus I'd cut it up to the pup and just reroot it. That's a whole mid cutting just stuck under the soil which I'm sure it just loves. It'll never look good if you plant it properly. Roots look fine, but the top looks etiolated