Why Is My Cactus Turning Yellow?

If your cactus is turning yellow, it is likely the result of one of the following issues.

Why Does A Cactus Turn Yellow?

Typically, there are four main reasons why a cactus can become discolored, including the following:

• Cactus position.
• Lack of sunlight.
• Excess sunlight.
• Indoor areas.

Let’s take a closer look at what you can do to prevent your cactus from yellowing.

Cactus Position

Each and every day the cactus needs 6-8 hours of full sunlight exposure in order to survive and thrive. In most cases, the southern aspects of the garden tend to receive the most sunlight on a daily basis. If you choose to move your cactus outdoors, place the plant in a low light spot for the first couple of days.

Then, gradually increase the amount of light the plant is exposed to after a brief trial period. Start with the low light area, then increase the exposure over time to give the plant the best opportunity to grow in its new environment.

Lack Of Sunlight

It’s no secret that cacti thrive with a combination of bright light and heat. The cactus will begin to droop and can become discolored 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.

Excess Sunlight

The amount of light each cactus needs will ultimately depend on the type. By watching for any discoloration, you will be able to tell how much light your plant needs. Yellow and orange discolorations are clear signs of too much sunlight. A cacti can become scorched when moved too close to light, as it will develop permanent rings atop the plant.

Indoor Areas

Cacti positioned very close to windows can start yellowing when facing south. You can place a net style curtain on the window to decrease the yellowing progression. Move the cacti further away from the window when discoloration is first noticed.