My cactus?

Question

hi i have this cactus it is green on the botton and has this prickly red round top on it when i squeze it a little it feels soft now i dont know why i dont think it is from overwatering cause it is planted in mostly sand and i dont overwater...is this ok ???

Answer 1

Cactus actually LIKE water.  They are primarily made of water.

The sand should be no more than 50% of the ground they are planted in.  So if you are using mostly sand, you need to add some dirt to the mixture.  Too much sand permits the water to drain off too fast and the cactus doesn't get any benefit from the water.

If you have the proper mixture of sand to soil, you don't have to worry  too much about overwatering, because the mixture is designed to permit good drainage.  It also helps if you plant your cactus on a "mound".

There are thousands of different types of cactus.  So without seeing it, it's hard to tell what you are referring to.  But you might have a cactus that is growing a "prickly pear".  Google prickly pear and see if there is a picture.

I have a LOT of cactus plants.  They do just fine in the winter months when it rains EVERYDAY.  It's all about the drainage you provide, not how much water they get.

Answer 2

Cactus need to be bone dry before you water them! Then give it a good flood with water and let it go completely dry again. You might be over watering it, without even realizing it. Sand is good also they sell cactus potting mix at a nursery if your worried about the soil.

Good Luck