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Cacti & Succulents

Need cactus ID, please

Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal)

5 years ago

Hello all!

I am new to cacti. Before I learn how to root a cutting, or otherways give this fellow a haircut ... I need to know what it is. (Sorry photo is sideways...)

It has great sentimental value to a good friend but is very top-heavy and can topple at any moment.

I will do a separate search here on Cactus Safety.

Your help appreciated. ; )

Featured Answer

Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

If I had to guess those marks are from frost damage and fungus. Almost looks like rust fungus, but I’m not a fungi master;).

When you do take a cutting try to find the healthiest piece to root. If you want your Euphorbia cutting to look less scarred keep warm during the winter. California’s cold and wet winters can make for an unhappy Euphorbia.

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Comments (7)

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
5 years ago
It looks too 'spotty' - is that rot? any other fungal disease? can't tell for sure...maybe you can rotate pic before posting. TIA.
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal) thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
Liz (Virginia z6b)
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
This looks like a Euphorbia, which is a succulent, not a cactus. Definitely research safety as Euphorbias bleed a toxic latex-based sap when cut that can cause bad reactions if it gets on the skin or in mucous membranes (rashes, blisters, temporary blindness, etc).

ETA: Euphorbias can take months to root, so you'll need to be really patient.
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal) thanked Liz (Virginia z6b)
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Okay! Thanks for your input. I just couldn't find one that looked close enough to this species so I just wanted to make sure. And actually this picture was after I cut off the bad parts.The stem was pretty much broken off so I just cut off the gross gooey parts. The rotted parts were turning black and have some white fuzz (mold?) on it. I was too grossed out to remember to take a picture xD Do you think it's too small to make it? My friend was about to throw it out and I wanted to try and save it :o
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gdinieontarioz5
5 years ago
Definitely not a cactus, but Euphorbia, possibly E. lactea. Looks like the spots either are a fungus or sunburn.
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal) thanked gdinieontarioz5
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal)
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you, Rina, Liz, Gdinie and Kara!!!

I will try to make it happier! It did have quite a rough winter I think - cold and rainy. And it's been in that pot forever. It never would have occurred to me that it wasn't a cactus, since I thought only cacti had needles.

Thanks!
SoCal Stewart (San Diego, Ca Zone 10A/10B)
5 years ago
Euphorbia trigona?
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal) thanked SoCal Stewart (San Diego, Ca Zone 10A/10B)
Polypompholyx
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Have a look at the Dave's Garden article So that's NOT a Cactus??!
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal) thanked Polypompholyx

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