Can a Cactus Look Dead but Not Be Dead?

Over-Watering

• Cacti need to be watered but not quite as much as some tropical houseplants; in fact, they are often over-watered. Over-watering causes soft, mushy roots that decay rapidly and are unable to supply the plant with water. The result is a shriveled cactus. If you suspect you've over-watered your cactus, lift it gently out of its container and check the roots. If half or more of the roots are brown and mushy, it can't be saved. If less than half are damaged, cut out the damaged roots with clean scissors, leaving as much healthy root as possible. Re-pot the cactus in a clean, well-drained container in a mixture of half coarse sand and half peat. Water the mixture thoroughly and then water it again only when half of the potting mixture is dry.

Under-Watering

• Under-watering is another common problem with cacti. They do store extra water in their leaves and stems, but they have to get that water from their caretakers. If you suspect under-watering is the problem, check the potting medium first. If it is cracked and dry or separating from the sides of pot, you should re-pot the cactus. Plant it in a clean, well-drained container with a mixture of half peat and half coarse sand. Water the mixture thoroughly and then water it again when half of the potting medium is dry.

Salt Buildup

• Salt and other minerals occur naturally in the water supply of many cities. Often, these minerals accumulate in the soil of potted cacti, causing them to shrivel. If the container your cacti is in does not have good drainage, you'll need to re-pot it in a container that does. Use a growing medium that is half coarse sand and half peat and a container with drainage holes and a drainage dish. Every time you water the plant, make sure the water runs through the container and into the drainage dish, which will flush out any accumulated minerals, fertilizer or insecticides that could be harming your cactus.

Care Tips

• Cacti require more water during the hot summer months than they do in the cooler, darker winters. In the winter, water your cactus just before it starts to shrivel or look wilted. Fertilize it once in the spring and once in the summer with a houseplant fertilizer higher in phosphorous than nitrogen. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends using half the amount of fertilizer suggested by the manufacturer. Try putting your cacti outside for the summer; they will benefit from the bright sunlight and may even flower once you bring them back in for the winter.