My cactus has lost all its bottom leaves and is leaning weakly.

Question

My cacti has lost all of its bottom leaves, had added a lot of new growth on top, and seemed to be leaning (not necessarily turning towards the light, but weak). I cut off the top and replanted it. The new plant is doing well, and the “mother” plant seemed to be doing well since and has grown some new leaves on top, but is now leaning weakly again and the bottom of the stem remains without leaves. It seems that one or two of the leaves have grown what looks like small thin little white roots reaching for the bottom. I’ve tried watering the cactus more often, but that hasn’t helped. Can I replant the cacti up to those bottom leaves, which would put the empty bottom stem in the earth or would that kill the plant?

Answer 1

I would not replant up to the bottom leaves as this might start a fungal infection. The roots may be aerial roots. They are just trying to stabilize the cactus. These articles may help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/cactus-going-soft.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/saving-dying-succulents.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/overwatering-cactus.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/treating-stem-branch-rot-in-cacti.htm