Plant guide:ðĩ Cactus
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Fungal
Bacterial Soft Rot in Cacti
Commonly affects: Cactaceae (Cactus)
A water-soaked area develops and spreads quickly, turning the tissue soft, discoloured, and often accompanied by an unpleasant odour.
Potential Causes
- 1Bacterial infection entering through a wound, often exacerbated by overly wet conditions
- 2Cuts or damage from handling, pests, or pruning providing entry points
- 3Warm, humid conditions accelerating bacterial spread
Solution Steps
- 1Cut away all affected tissue immediately with a sterilised blade, well into clearly healthy tissue
- 2Allow the cut surface to callus and dry thoroughly before any further watering
- 3Isolate the plant from others during recovery
- 4Avoid overhead watering and handle the plant carefully to prevent new wounds
Prevention Tip
Any wound on a cactus is a potential entry point for bacterial rot â handle plants carefully and let any accidental cuts or breaks dry and callus before watering.
