Expert: Greg Simpson - 5/22/2007

Question
I've had these cactus for over 30 years. I brought them with me when I moved to Florida from Mass.They had always spent the Summers on the porch then back in the house for the Winter.They've always been very healthy and green. When I moved here I planted most all of them in the ground.It's been two years now and I've lost almost all of them. They turn yellow then shrivel up from the bottom,then die.They don't get soft and mushy so I know it's not root rot. I've bought other different little cactus and added them to the area and they seem to be doing fine.There all in an area that only gets watered when it rains so I know there not being over watered.Please help..
Thank you,
Jeanne

Answer
Jeane,

Most likely it had to do with sunlight. There are probably 2 reasons, one is that the sun is much more intense the closer to the equator, which Florida is much closer to. The other is that since your plant was in less intense light and also indoors, it would not be used to that light and sunburn. Cacti do not automatically have a resistance to sunlight. They have to be acclimated like any other plant.

I guess it also could be that depending on the type of plant, it could not be how much water, but when. What I mean is that some plants only do well on winter rain and some must be kept dry in winter. Since I don't know what type of plants you have, I can not be certain of the cause. I am sorry to hear about the loss of your plants. Hopefully this makes some sense.

Sincerely,

Greg