help! I don't know what's wrong with my zebra cactus :(
Kendra Flammger
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (15)
Kendra Flammger
8 years agoRelated Discussions
I don't know what is wrong with my plants either! (pics inclded)
Comments (6)The fungus spends the winter in infected plant debris in or on the soil where it can survive at least one and perhaps several years. It can also be seed borne. New spores are produced the following season. The spores are transported by water, wind, insects, other animals including man, and machinery. Once the initial infections have occurred, they become the most important source of new spore production and are responsible for rapid disease spread. A thick mulch indeed does help against splashback and also serves to keep moisture in. A good organic mulch will also decompose and compost in place. Compost makes for healthier plants which are better at fighting off diseases. In fall I clean-up as best I can by removing all plant material. I use a straw mulch and remove that as well and place into the compost pile. I then lasagna compost with a mix of grass clippings, shredded leaves and new compost on top. I plant right through that in spring and then straw mulch again....See More10 year old cactus and I still don't know what it is. Help!
Comments (6)Sarah Please do not get upset if we tell you that it doesn't look it's best. While you have this plant for 10 years, grew it from seed and it is still alive, obviously you did something right but we do not think it has been growing under ideal growing conditions. In 10 years, it should have grown much more, especially for opuntia - they are usually fast growers. There are miniature opuntias in existence, but yours is not, miniatures grow only few inches tall, they are just about ground covers. Healthy plant should support itself, without sticks and/or being tied. There are some marks visible on the plants - could be just natural corking, but it is difficult to judge from the photos. Could you take photo in better light and perhaps close up? Many opuntias grow paddle-like leaves. There are others that have cylindrical growth - but I am not sure yours is that type (maybe?). Here is Austrocylindropuntia subulata:You can see totally different shape, also different spines. The top part of the shorter plant on right is more round, that makes me think it wants to be paddle-shaped plant. It would need more light to grow more compact and wider segments. It is difficult to supply enough light indoors, many of us have the same problem. Plants grow stretched - etiolated - looking for more light. Changing soil yearly is not needed (the plant above has been in same mix for over 2years now and I am not planning on changing it). Succulents like to be in gravely mix (closer to what they grow in in their natural habitat), that offers excellent drainage and air exchange. You asked for ID - sometimes the plant has shape that is more difficult to ID. BTW, there are almost 500 species... So, the comments are not attack on you, just tips-remarks on the plant as we see it. We are all plant lovers here, and ask questions all the time. There is something in every post, even just 1 thing, that could help....See MorePlease help! I don't know what is wrong with my shrub!
Comments (5)Before doing any more, or allowing people that do not know what they are doing spray something else, tak samples of this shrub and place them in a sealable plastic bag and take it to your local office of the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. They will identify what the problem is and what the appropriate means of control might be. http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/map/index.shtml...See MoreI don’t know what’s wrong with my aloe
Comments (4)Hello, what kind of soil did you use? Also in the future only repot when they are in the growing season. Aloe's like to be root bound and do not require a large pot. The larger the pot the more the soil retains water and can lead to root rot. I only water my Aloes about one time a month in winter, then every 2 weeks in summer. Aloes retain water very well in their leaves and need a lot less water than people think. I keep mine in a south facing window where it gets direct sun in morning. Sometimes their leaves will do weird things, but that doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. Just be very careful with watering and only water it when the entire pot of soil is dry. You can never hurt it by under watering, but Aloes are prone to root rot with too much water. It doesn't look bad to me in the pictures, just give it some sun and let it dry put completely....See MoreKendra Flammger
8 years agoKendra Flammger
8 years agoKendra Flammger
8 years agowantonamara Z8 CenTex
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoKendra Flammger thanked wantonamara Z8 CenTexKendra Flammger
8 years agoKendra Flammger
8 years ago
Related Stories
COLOR8 Color Palettes You Can't Get Wrong
Can't decide on a color scheme? Choose one of these foolproof palettes for a room that feels both timeless and fresh
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESWhy Marble Might Be Wrong for Your Bathroom
You love its beauty and instant high-quality appeal, but bathroom marble has its drawbacks. Here's what to know before you buy
Full StoryFUN HOUZZEverything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey
Mind your manors with these 10 decorating tips from the PBS series, returning on January 5
Full StoryLIFEYou Said It: ‘Every Room Should Have the Right Wrong Thing’ and More
This week on Houzz we were inspired to break out of catalog styling ruts and let our design freak flags fly
Full StoryPATTERN10 Fearless Ways With Zebra
Here's how to use this exotic animal print without scaring the horses
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESWhat's Wrong With My Plant? Leaves Often Hold the Clues
Learn how to identify common plant ailments by reading their leaves
Full StoryLIFEYou Said It: ‘The Wrong Sink Can Make You Hate Your Kitchen’
Design advice, inspiration and observations that struck a chord this week
Full StoryEXTERIORSHelp! What Color Should I Paint My House Exterior?
Real homeowners get real help in choosing paint palettes. Bonus: 3 tips for everyone on picking exterior colors
Full StoryENTRYWAYSHelp! What Color Should I Paint My Front Door?
We come to the rescue of three Houzzers, offering color palette options for the front door, trim and siding
Full Story
robinswfl