I also see some dark brown spots forming on the bulb. I think my first Ruby Ball Cactus is dying, it needs help. It was a beautiful shade of "neon" pink. Overwatering is the primary cause of cactus rot in the home garden. I think it's dying so I need help ASAP. It is in fact the one I have on my avatar. I have no idea how difficult that would be. Symptoms include white spots that turn rusty brown and usually appear at the top of the plant. I kept both parts alive and well until October or later when the top plant began rotting. 6. Or you can graft one of the babies that the red ball produces quite abundantly. Cross-post from r/houseplants. The base is brown and the bulb is now losing color. Unlike a desert cactus, the Christmas Cactus cannot live in the heat and drought in which desert plants thrive. Red spider mites are small reddish insects. If you notice that your cactus has discolored, dry, or drooping leaves or segments, there are a number of possibilities for what could be bothering it. Archived. Cactus that lack chlorophyll cannot live on their own – they die as seedlings unless grafted onto another cactus … Anyway, after all this time the top cactus is now losing its red color. It needs bright light, but can scorch in the sun. How to Save a Dying Cactus. They're so small that it's easier to look for their webs rather than the bugs themselves. I've attached a few photos. Close. You've surely seen one: a small upright green cactus with a bright red ball on the top. Posted by. Why Did My Christmas Cactus Leaves Turn Red (Or Pink)? Weird! Red top cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii var. u/ImNotHornyImACarrot. It can't survive by itself; the only way to save it is to graft it on another compatible green cactus. No matter how many times I re-pot it, it continues to slowly lean in one direction. help-red top cactus dying Hey guys, my little buddy is dying due to neglect by my ex gf and I'm trying to save him. You can “save” a dying red ball cactus by grafting it onto a new green rootstock (the rootstock must be a cactus, not a euphorbia!). Cacti are generally problem-free plants. Your Christmas Cactus can turn red or pink when it’s stressed, specifically if it is exposed to direct sunlight or if it doesn’t get enough water. help-red top cactus dying Hey guys, my little buddy is dying due to neglect by my ex gf and I'm trying to save him. 2 years ago . The top is brown and likely dead but the stem isn't yellow yet, there's green still in it. Your Christmas Cactus can turn red or pink when it’s stressed, specifically if it is exposed to direct sunlight or if it doesn’t get enough water. I think my first Ruby Ball Cactus is dying, it needs help. Why Did My Christmas Cactus Leaves Turn Red (Or Pink)? In fact, one of the cacti's only real enemies is too much water. The top cactus grows bulbs so large that it's become top-heavy. The top cactus of the moon cactus has a mutation that causes it to lack the chlorophyll that makes the cactus green. If left untreated, mites kill your cactus by eating the entire outer layer of tissue off your plant. The top is brown and likely dead but the stem isn't yellow yet, there's green still in it. I bought this cactus at a Lowe's back in May. Instead it’s an albino cactus, one without chlorophyll, more specifically Gymnocalycium mihanovicii friedrichii ‘Rubra’, also called Hibotan, grafted on a green cactus. Many people assume that this red ball is a flower, but that’s not the case. (I would have loved one of the purple ones, but only found the pink, red, yellow, and maybe orange.) friedrichii 'Hibotan'), also called ruby cactus or red cap, is easy to care for. This mutation exposes the red, orange or yellow color beneath. Any tips on making it look healthy again? The red cactus on top depends on the green cactus beneath for energy and nutrients. Give them a spot of sunlight and a minimal amount of care, and they will grow healthily and happily. Unlike a desert cactus, the Christmas Cactus cannot live in the heat and drought in which desert plants thrive.