Mammillaria backebergiana
The vast majority of cactus species are slow-growing plants. In fact, in some it is so slow that hardly any change is seen over the years; but nevertheless, sometimes and without realizing it, we are the ones who prevent them from continuing to grow.
Why won't my cactus grow? It is what we ask ourselves, worried. Well then. There are several reasons why you may have stopped doing it. We are going to see them all and we will also discover what to do to solve them.
Lack of space
It is the most common cause. The cacti we buy usually take months - and maybe even years - in those same pots. Although the root system is superficial, over time it will need more space than the container in which it is planted has provided.. For this reason it is very, very important to transplant our plants every two springs to a larger pot.
Unfavorable temperature
Whether the temperature is above 35 or below 10 degrees Celsius, growth cannot occur. In the first case it is because the loss of water would be important, and in the second because the cells would literally break due to the cold. It is for this reason that these plants stop their growth both in midsummer and in autumn-winter.
It has no »food»
By "food" I mean compost. It is very important to water every time you need it, but also to pay it, since without food sooner or later it will weaken and stop its growth. For this reason, during the warm months (spring and summer especially) we have to fertilize it with a liquid fertilizer for cacti following the instructions specified on the package.
Pests
There are many pests that can affect them, such as mealybugs or red spiders. If they can advance far enough, growth will stop. To avoid this, it is important to fertilize the cactus to keep it well fed and healthy, and treat it with insecticides in the event that a parasite wants to harm it.
Management
Fungi are the main microorganisms that cause disease. They love humid environments, so they will not hesitate to attack our cacti if we are watering them excessively.. To avoid this, water only when necessary (more information here) and take action if they are becoming soft (here I explain how to do it).
Rebutia arenacea
If you have doubts, do not leave them in the inkwell. Question. 🙂
My cactus had left it outside a hen had split it for me, so I decided to chop it where it bent, what happens if the container bites and now I see that it does not grow and has enough space to grow I see it small when before the incident He saw the change now, not what ago will it be that they will not sandran roots anymore
Hi Kiomy.
I recommend you water it very occasionally, once a week or that. More than anything so that the earth stays a little humid, but without overdoing it.
Protect it from the sun, and the rest is patience.
I hope he recovers.
Greetings.
My cactus has turned brown with white spots, what could it be ???
Hi Yuni.
It may be that it is burning in the sun, or that it got wet from watering.
It is important to accustom these plants to the sun little by little, and especially not to get them wet when they are watered.
Greetings.
Hello, my cactus has gotten smaller, why can that be?
Hi Gisette.
It may be due to lack of water. How often do you water it?
Greetings.
I bought a small cactus a few months ago, I transplanted it and first left it in the shade, but as I saw it did not grow I put it in the sun, but I still do not see progress.
Hello Ruth.
Cacti are generally slow growing. Give it time, you will see how little by little you will see that it grows.
Greetings.