Expert: Greg Simpson - 9/9/2006

Question
Greetings; I have two prickly pear "leaves" or whatever they are called in one large pot. got them 2 months ago. Doing well--have lots of little "leaves" and I planted properly. One however is "wilting", sort of turning inward and looks soft. They both have lots of  new growth. I hardly ever water, and when I do  I water from the bottom. They are in hot sun alot. Live in Eastern Washington and we have had hot summer. What is going on with the "wilting" one? Too much, or too little water? Thanks sooo much!

Answer
Dear Olivia,

It could be from the heat, but if one is OK and the other is wilting, it may because the one that is wilting roots have died. Also, I would water from the top. Cactus roots are mostly right under the surface. The reason is that cactus in the wild have to grab every bit of moisture there is before it dries up.

Try watering from the top and see if it starts to plump up, if not, it may be too late. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg