skip to main content

Cacti & Succulents

Can I save my Ruby Ball Cactus?

14 years ago

I was given a Ruby Ball Cactus last year. From the ball to just below the ball, it has rotted. Below the rot it is still green. I just left it as I thought that it was dying as I do not know much about these particular plants. About a month ago, new growth has started spurting out of the green stock. The plant is not even completely in the soil, just kind of laying sideways in the pot. I've been trying to find info on just what i should do.

I think that I am suppose to cut the rot off with a sharp knife and let it callous but do I "re-plant" it in the soil while i wait for it to callous or just leave it be? It is currently sitting outside on my porch and would so much like to see it back. Any help would be appreciated although I do not know a lot of the lingo. Thank you

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

tjicken
14 years ago
Depends on what you want to do. The grafting stock (bottom part) can possibly be saved if the rot is cut off. I don't understand why it is lying down, it should be upright. Has the plant been knocked out of the pot or has the rot spread to the base?
The scion (the red ball) is gone, the rot has probably spread to it and even if not you would have to regraft it.
erinyes32
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the reply. Yes, it was eventually knocked out of the pot by my cat, and as I thought that it was done, just left it. Then the grafting stock that was still green shot out 3 new growths. That part of the grafting stock is still green as we speak. It's funny to me as it has not been watered in about 6 months!!!

The regrafting is confusing to me, as I do not have any other cacti.
Related Discussions
HELP!!! Ruby ball cactus problem.
Q
Comments (3)
Hi! I agree. The rootstock is a terrific plant! This epiphytic cactus (means "upon plant") can grow to 30' and behaves a little like a vine. The main glories of this plant, however, are its flowers and subsequent fruit. The flowers bloom at night and can exceed a foot in diameter. Reportedly, the fruit tastes a bit like kiwi, and is about the size of a good-sized mango. It's a major food crop in many countries. Commercially, the plants are usually cut off at the top at about 6' and allowed to branch off overhanging growth. They flower several times each year, so you get tons of large, antioxidant-rich, tasty fruits! They are quite easy houseplants, and a fruiting plant is what I intend to achieve! Guess what? They grow super fast and can grow around a foot high in their first year (in good conditions)! Also, they can fruit in that same year! A week ago, I went to a Stein and picked up a grafted cactus just like yours, and I immediately cut the top off. Right now, I have the H. undatus in a new pot and I intend to get some cuttings off of it! That way, I can get a healthy growing tip on one plant, instead of a lot of branching right off, but that's an ideal. Ooooh!!! I'm so excited!!!!
...See More
Ruby ball cactus...probably rotting :[
Q
Comments (1)
Hi Katie, I've sterilized a sharp knife with rubbing alcohol. Or you can use bleach/water 1:9 solution. I actually bought a plant (on clearance) where the moon cactus had died. I grow dragon fruit so I bought the plant and cut the top portion off also. Look at the topic titled "Please Id this lovely Cacti Flower". I found this fascinating! This post was edited by teisa on Sat, Oct 19, 13 at 1:27
...See More
Please help! My ruby ball cactus is rotting at the base
Q
Comments (5)
The gravel layer at the bottom doesn't help, it actually makes things worse. You need to get the plant out asap, before the whole thing rots. Succulents need to be watered thoroughly, not in sips. In well draining mix, all extra water will drain out and shouldn't sit at the bottom of the pot. Succulents need to be watered when the mix is just about completely dry, all the way - not only top inch or two. You need to cut rotting part off as palms already described, pls. read both posts for good instructions.
...See More
My Rose Quartz cactus is rotting, can I save it?
Q
Comments (1)
Get all the stems out of the soil, cut off all rotted roots. Cut stems without roots above the rotted sections. Let the trimmed plants dry for several days. Make up a soil mix with potting soil and pumice 50% each. Pot up rooted stems like any cactus, the cut stems standing on the soil, propped up so the stem can stand on the soil. In weeks to months these will reroot.
...See More
paracelsus
14 years ago
What you had was a mutant Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, cultivar 'Hibotan'. It has no green chlorophyll, so other pigments are visible, causing the red color. It has no way to feed itself, so it is grafted onto rooted stock, typically a Hylocereus. The 'ruby ball' cannot survive on its own. Since it has rotted, all you are left with is the relatively uninteresting root stock.

Gymnocalycium mihanovichii cv. 'Hibotan'
erinyes32
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you for the reply. I think I'm understanding this now. I guess I can use it as my 'experimental' cactus and see what it does on its own as the growth of extra cacti coming out of the stock is interesting on its own! lol

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Creative Ideas for Cactus and Succulent Gardens

By Laura Gaskill

Arrange cactuses and succulents amid salvaged treasures, against a vibrant painted wall or in terraced beds

REMODELING GUIDES Ask an Architect: How Can I Carve Out a New Room Without Adding On?

When it comes to creating extra room, a mezzanine or loft level can be your best friend

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel

By Kelli Kaufer Designs

A designer shares key areas where you can economize — and still get the kitchen of your dreams

SHOP HOUZZ Houzz Products: Save a Taste of Summer

Can't bear to part with the flavors of summer peaches, berries and tomatoes? Then jam on it!

MORE ROOMS Have a Ball With Your Billiard Room

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Decadently plush or based in a barn, these stunning billiard rooms show how much fun it is to take style cues from a pool table

GREAT HOME PROJECTS What to Know About Adding a Backyard Bocce Ball Court

By Matt Clawson

A regulation court in a relaxed setting helps you get the most from the Italian pastime. Here's what it takes to build one at home

GREEN BUILDING Water Sense for Big Savings

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Keep dollars in your pocket and preserve a precious resource with these easy DIY strategies

GREAT HOME PROJECTS Upgrade Your Windows for Beauty, Comfort and Big Energy Savings

By Mitchell Parker

Bid drafts or stuffiness farewell and say hello to lower utility bills with new, energy-efficient windows

LIFE How Your Landscaping Can Keep Burglars Away

Prevent home break-ins with strategic landscaping and good practices instead of menacing — and maybe less effective — measures

REMODELING GUIDES Where to Splurge, Where to Save in Your Remodel

By Laura Gaskill

Learn how to balance your budget and set priorities to get the home features you want with the least compromise

Sponsored

More Discussions

I need your help to improve this jade plant. (My first jade!)

31

Are cacti legal to sell online?

3

Free plants or cuttings

5

jade plant pruning

6

Jade in Need of Help

0