Cactus leaning and falling over – (Causes and how to fix it)

Cactus plants being succulents are loved by Beginners because they are so easy to grow and even can face many harsh conditions like dry soil, high temperatures, etc. But this doesn’t make them completely immune to the stress that can make them weak. Do we practice usually indicating via grouping and falling over? The cactus plants can not be ignored at this time and need some caring measures to get them back. Do you know Why is Cactus leaning and falling over?

Quick takeaways:

  • The answer to this is very clear: the cactus plant is under the stress of some environmental conditions or others.
  • The conditions can be pest infestation, very low sunlight, very low temperatures, under-watering or over-watering, and roots getting affected like root rot.

Why is my cactus plant falling out? These are the main causes that can be causing the cactus plant not to stay erect. Let’s look at the causes very deeply and how to fix them all. In this article, you will get to know all the costs of why your cactus plants fall over and related fixation.

Cactus leaning and falling over - (Causes and how to fix it)

Reasons for Cactus leaning and falling over

1. Roots are getting rotted

The cactus plants might have developed fruit rot which can be due to the overwatering of the cactus plants or due to the poor drainage of the soil. The other reason can be the pot size being too large that the cactus plant got over water.

The soggy soil makes the route too weak and soft due to which it gets a fungal infection and fails to perform normally. The cactus plant not getting enough water to store inside leaves will get droopy and start to fall over.

How to fix this?

  • Water the cactus plant if the top two inches of the soil feel dry and then water the plant. check the soil drainage if the soil is not too clayey.
  • Move the plant to the old spot where the sunlight is not that drying and avoid watering the plants to let the roots recover back from the excess water through the drainage of it.
  • The cactus plant needs to be watered one time every week otherwise the water load will deteriorate the roots. Make sure not to underwater the cactus.
  • Repot the plant by cutting off the rotten roots and using clean sanitized soil.

2. Pests attack has taken over

The Pests love to attack the soft tissues of the plants. The cactus plant that is under some kind of stress whether watering problems, sunlight issues, or other related conditions eventually weaker and more susceptible to the worst. Best infestation leads to drooping of the cactus plants as.

They suck up on the sap of the plant and make them more nutritious. Pests like mealybugs and spider mites usually attack cactus plants.

How to fix this?

  • The pests need to be removed as soon as possible to save the cactus plant from dying.
  • You can water spray the plant through a hose or use a neem oil spray over the parts of the cactus to kill the mites and bugs.
  • Use organic pesticides and keep the cactus plant clean and its surroundings too.

3. Improper light conditions

The cactus plants are in desert-like conditions. They love growing in sunlight and shining bright as they can perform body functions really well soaking up the sun. No doubt the sunlight should be bright but not for too long a time.

The cactus plant becomes droopy and falls over when the sunlight is not enough and the plant is getting too much shade. The cactus plant should be in a spot where the sunlight is bright but the plant gets shade during the hottest hours.

How to fix this?

  • Move the cactus plant to a spot that is not too hot as it can lead to bones on the cactus plant.
  • The cactus plant should get enough sunlight so place it near the window where sunlight is ample but slide out to shade during the afternoon.
  • Don’t miss the plant in the afternoon as that can lead to fungal infection too.

4. Cold drafts

The dropping temperatures can also make the cactus plants droopy and leggy. Watering issue. Usually, the cactus plant goes dormant in the winter season, that time the plant gets too much warmth and water can lead to its falling over.

How to fix this?

  • Avoid watering the plant in the winter season.
  • If the temperature fluctuates certain and the temperature is dropping, move the plant to the spot where it gets heat and you can also cover the plant with a sheet or cloth.

5. Pot size problem

The cactus plants growing in pots will not go anywhere and you will always be disappointed with your cactus plant because the large pots can make them unable to absorb enough minerals and nutrients from the soil and the cactus plant gets droopy.

What size is too small or too big can be harmful to the cactus. There should be at least 1 to 2 inches of space on both sides of the pot and not more than this.

How to fix this?

  • The cactus plant should be planted in a pot that is perfect for the roots to absorb the nutrients and have an inch or 2 inches of space so the roots can easily breathe.
  • The cactus plant needs to be repotted every 1 to 2 years and make sure that you don’t report the cactus plant if it is flowering.

Summing up the context

We hope you liked the information in this article regarding the cleaning and falling over of the cactus don’t worry the plant can be revived if the measures are taken at the right time. Keep checking your cactus plants if there is any pest infestation, watering issue, pot size issue, etc. We have uploaded the vital fixations that you must adapt to keep your cactus plant healthy and get going like ever.

Happy caring and happy planting!

FAQs

1. Can I straighten the cactus?

The cactus is leaning which means the cactus plant is under some stress. The tip of the leaves of the cactus can be cut off and then planted in the soil and wait for roots to emerge. Water the plant lightly regularly, but later reduced to one time a week.  

2. How do you fix a top-heavy cactus? 

The cactus plants need to be repotted in a pot in a way that the cactus plant stays upright. The soil should be moist. After drying the cactus for a week or two, repot the cactus plant. 

Becky Decker

Becky Decker, our esteemed Editor-in-Chief, is a passionate gardener with years of experience in the world of horticulture. With her guidance, Lawnandgardennetwork.com aims to be your trusted companion on your gardening journey. Featured In   Becky Decker’s expertise and gardening wisdom have been recognized and featured in various prominent publications, including:   Homesandgardens.com Yahoo.com Urbansplatter.com Inkl.com Foliagefriend.com Yahoonews  Experience & Background   Becky Decker’s love for gardening has been a lifelong journey. She has honed her skills through countless seasons of planting, nurturing, and harvesting a wide variety of plants, flowers, and vegetables. Her deep-rooted knowledge is complemented by her Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from the University of Green Valley.   Prior to leading Lawnandgardennetwork.com, Becky worked as a garden consultant, helping countless individuals turn their outdoor spaces into vibrant, thriving gardens. Her experience spans over a decade, making her a trusted authority in the gardening community.   The Birth of Lawnandgardennetwork.com   Inspired by her passion for gardening and her desire to share her expertise with a wider audience, Becky Decker launched Lawnandgardennetwork.com in 2021. This platform serves as a hub for gardening enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.   At Lawnandgardennetwork.com, we are committed to providing you with comprehensive guides, expert advice, and hands-on tips to help you achieve success in your gardening endeavors. Whether you have a small balcony garden or a sprawling backyard paradise, we have the information you need to make your garden flourish.   Our Mission   Lawnandgardennetwork.com is more than just a gardening website; it’s a community of gardeners who share a common love for nurturing the Earth. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge and resources to create beautiful, sustainable gardens that bring joy and tranquility to your life.   Join Us on This Green Journey   We invite you to explore Lawnandgardennetwork.com and embark on your gardening journey with us. Whether you’re seeking advice on planting techniques, pest control, landscaping ideas, or the latest gardening trends, you’ll find it all right here.   Connect with us, ask questions, and share your gardening stories. Together, we’ll cultivate a thriving community of gardeners and help each other make the world a greener, more beautiful place.   Let’s dig in and grow together at Lawnandgardennetwork.com, where gardening dreams bloom!

You may also like...

Leave a Reply

Ask in Community