Why Is My Notocactus Leninghausii Leaning?

Improper Potting

• Improper potting is perhaps the most common cause of leaning Notocactus leninghausii plants. Leaning is the result of unsettled soil in the pot, which creates air pockets that collapse and no longer support the weight of the cactus. When a Notocactus leninghausii plant leans as a result of improper potting, it will otherwise appear normal with no signs or symptoms of a more serious problem, such as soft flesh around the base or discoloration. Repotting the cactus in sandy soil and carefully shaking the pot to settle the soil will correct a lean resulting from improper potting.

Insufficient Sunlight

• When a cactus receives too little sun, it often leans toward the strongest source of light. Notocactus leninghausii is no different and is in fact more inclined to lean since it requires a massive amount of sunlight to photosynthesize, which is the result of having densely packed spines that shade its flesh. Moving the Notocactus leninghausii to a sunnier spot will correct a lean caused by insufficient sunlight, but you must first check that low light is the cause of the lean. Look for pale flesh on the body of the plant, which indicates very low levels of photosynthesis. Also, inspect the base of the plant for noticeable elongation since the plant will put on growth at the base while stretching to catch the light.

Overwatering

• As with all cacti, Notocactus leninghausii does not respond well to overwatering. One of the earliest signs of overwatering is a significant lean, which is typically accompanied by a squishy and somewhat saggy appearance. To determine if your Notocactus leninghausii is leaning as a result of overwatering, grasp the base with a gloved hand, and carefully try to bend it up toward its original position. If it bends easily, overwatering is almost certainly the culprit since the flesh is waterlogged and degraded. Transplant the cactus into a fresh pot of soil, and cease watering it for a week or two to allow it time to dry out.

Pythium Rot

• Pythium rot is the least common and most devastating cause of a leaning Notocactus leninghausii. While leaning is the most obvious sign, other symptoms include softened, pale-colored flesh around the base and the exudation of a clear liquid, which is sometimes visible on the surface of the soil. Potting the Notocactus leninghausii in sandy, well-draining soil and not overwatering it are the two best ways of preventing and treating pythium rot, but the application of a fungicide specifically targeted toward pythium rot is the best course of action for an advanced infection. If caught early, the Notocactus leninghausii will recover and live for many years.