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Cactus/brown skin on cactus

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Expert: - 12/12/2010


Question

imag0064
I have a cactus that is 14 year old.  got it at home depo. 3 " high now 60' high
,and the last two years it started to turn brown skin. does not look like soft rot.
I bring it in during winter in NJ.

Answer
Dear Horacio.

You have a couple of lovely Euphorbias - not cacti.  The browning at the base of your plants is called corking and is part of the natural aging process of cactus and succulents.

As the cactus matures, the lower parts or base of the plant turns from smooth-green skin to a tough, brown, bark-like appearance.  Corking starts from the base of the cactus and works up the plant. If a cactus is turning brown from the top down, or in spots on the side or in the middle, then it is not corking, but a real problem such as spider mite or sun burn.

Since corking is a natural part of cactus growth. There is nothing to treat. Just enjoy the beauty of a maturing plant.

Thanks for this good "problem"!

Maureen

Please rate my response.  Thanks, and thanks for the photo.  

Maureen

Expertise

I can answer questions regarding the care and propagation of cactus and succulents and would actually group these together as folks often mistake one for the other and often their care is quite different. I also have a cold hardy cactus and succulent garden that has been quite successful. The subject in regard to classification of type is enormous and I wouldn't be able to answer all questions by any means. It is really IMPORTANT TO INCLUDE A PHOTO if at all possible and LET ME KNOW WHERE YOU ARE FROM, especially in terms of climate.

Experience

I have learned by reading books, by trial and error and by consulting with folks with much more knowledge. I have primarily grown C&S for the last 20 years.

Organizations
Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts.

Education/Credentials
No formal training. See experience.

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