Expert: Greg Simpson - 7/17/2006

Question
My cactus will not stand straight up on it's own. I'll stake it for a few weeks, then it seems to do great, then the next day all of it's laying over the side of the pot. I don't know exactly what kind it is. I have lot's of new growth, I repoted it this past spring. It has several shoots that are round at the base but are more flat towards the end. I did notice a flaky white ish, substance around the bases seems like some of it will flake off with your finger nail. Does it have a disease? I can't find any info or pictures that are even close to what I have on the internet. Pleaes help.  Thanks in advance.

J

Answer
Dear J,

If you can send me a photo, that would be best (send it to: gregandkat@msn.com). Some cacti start out vertical, then lean over or even creep along the ground and that is perfectly normal. But without knowing what variety of cactus it is, I can't certain if it's normal or not.

If you can't send me a photo, please let me know either the common name or if you have it, the latin name of the plant. Some "cactus" aren't even cactus, but a plant called Euphorbia, which are similar but may require different advice. Thanks.

Sincerely,

Greg