Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think I can rescue this cactus?

27 replies

WallToWallBastards · 30/04/2017 14:21

I love a good low effort plant and at Christmas I bought 2 cacti, a succulent and an air plant. The air plant lasted 2 weeks. The succulent looks like it's on its way out but I remain hopeful. My friend thinks I should be publicly shamed for my crimes against plants but I'm sure I can do something magic or sciencey.

To think I can rescue this cactus?
OP posts:
Bubblesagain · 30/04/2017 14:23

Don't get it drunk for starters Grin

Batgirlspants · 30/04/2017 14:25

Agree with your friend that poor plant Grin

LilacSpatula · 30/04/2017 14:28

Does he live in a can? Get him a lovely new pot for a home 🏡

WallToWallBastards · 30/04/2017 14:33

He does like his fancy beers Grin

OP posts:
jennifer86 · 30/04/2017 14:52

Cacti are amazingly resilient, I have several which have survived years of being ignored when I was a student and are actually doing well now! I would say get it a pot and if you want to fork out for some 'cactus compost' it would probably appreciate it. Water it ONCE (and not enough to drown the poor desert-dwelling thing) then leave it alone for at least a week. They do seem to like that approach!

Weedsnseeds1 · 30/04/2017 15:46

I think you may have over-watered it. Especially if there are no drainage holes in that can.

SmileEachDay · 30/04/2017 15:50

Sad it's all...flaccid...,

WallToWallBastards · 30/04/2017 20:43

Maybe I need to admit defeat, I did everything the leaflet told me Blush

OP posts:
LightYears · 30/04/2017 20:55

I always over water cacti.

Weedsnseeds1 · 30/04/2017 20:56

The skinny bit hanging down to the right still looks green. You might be able to resurrect it as a cutting or graft.
In the nicest possible way, though, this may be beyond your horticultural skill set...

PitilessYank · 30/04/2017 20:58

Benign neglect is best for most plants, with some water every 1-2 weeks.

PitilessYank · 30/04/2017 20:59

That having been said, whenever I bring home a plant, my kids like to yell out; "mom has found another victim!"

PitilessYank · 30/04/2017 21:00

I love plants, though, I keep hoping I will be able to maintain them...

lalaloopyhead · 30/04/2017 21:02

I think you might struggle with that one! I agree could be a possible over watering situation.

Runny · 30/04/2017 21:05

Yeah I think over watered as well. I only water mine every three to four weeks in Spring summer and not at all in Autumn winter because apparently they are dormant during that period. Before I had my current cacti I had one that killed because I watered it too much, like you would a regular plant.

TheNoodlesIncident · 30/04/2017 21:13

Those ones have horrible itchy hairs that irritate your skin if you touch it, so I'd bin it on those grounds alone avoid actual contact

WallToWallBastards · 01/05/2017 12:17

I can't remember the last time I actually watered it. My most successful cactus went months without watering, I only did it when he started looking at bit shrivelled Blush

OP posts:
WhatALoadOfOldBollocks · 01/05/2017 13:45

What the hell is it!? ConfusedGrin

WallToWallBastards · 02/05/2017 17:26

I think I'm going to have to give him a tasteful burial and maybe go on a cactus course I've been on a course for just about everything else and I'm still crap at it all Sad

OP posts:
LightYears · 02/05/2017 18:05

Maybe cut into it a bit to see if it's lush inside. Sounds like a major case of dehydration.

AnUtterIdiot · 02/05/2017 18:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AnUtterIdiot · 02/05/2017 18:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AnUtterIdiot · 02/05/2017 18:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AnUtterIdiot · 02/05/2017 18:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Charley50 · 02/05/2017 19:55

You can save it! I make my own cactus compost by using stealing a tiny bit of playground or builders sand, and mix it with normal compost; half and half.
Neglect all winter, water with pure virgin rainwater, once it grows you can water it more in summer and leave outside.
I think you should give a yearly update till time memorandum if that's the correct saying?