Why Is My Cactus Drooping?

If your cactus is drooping, it could be the result of four common factors.

Droopy Cactus Causes

A drooping cactus will likely result from one of these causes:

• Watering.
• Lack Of Sunlight.
• Changes In Temperature.
• Pests.

Let’s take a detailed look at these factors and what you can do to protect your cactus.

Watering

Properly watering a cactus can end up being a bit complicated. You will be able to tell if a cactus is dehydrated when it turns soft and appears either purple or violet. When untreated, the cactus can wrinkle, causing the branches to droop.

An overwatered cactus can show these same signs. It’s recommended to use potted soil to ensure the cactus has enough drainage space. A cactus will only need water if the top two inches are entirely dried out. You will know the cactus is receiving sufficient sunlight when the water drains from the holes.

Lack Of Sunlight

It’s no secret that cacti thrive with a combination of bright light and heat. The cactus will begin to droop when it does not receive an appropriate amount of both. Try using some artificial sunlight to keep your cactus happy during the winter months. An indoor cactus should do just fine during both the spring and summer.

Changes In Temperature

The majority of cactus plants are indigenous to frost-free environments. This means if the temperature falls below freezing, damage can occur to the cactus. This will result in blackening parts on the body. A few weeks later, the blackened areas will dry out and begin drooping.

If the freezing temperatures only last for a brief time, then the damage will not be overwhelming. Sunlight, water, and warmth will help bring cacti back to full health. It’s recommended to cover cacti when temperatures start to fall. Take any potted cacti indoors at this time.

Pests

Mealybugs and woodlice are white pests that will take juice from a cactus. A large amount of feeding pests present can cause the cactus to droop. The good news is mealybugs are quite easy to eradicate by hand. You can also take some preventative steps by rinsing the cactus with a mix of liquid dish soap and water.

Try to avoid any direct sunlight exposure at this time, if possible. This could take several efforts since repeated applications are necessary to remove the mealybugs that have hatched recently.