Q.My pencil seems to be losing branches, drying up
My pencil seems to be losing branches, drying up. It is kept inside. What is wrong?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
This can be a sign that the plant is being overwatered. This plant should only be watered when the top inch or so of soil is dry to the touch.
Make sure you are checking to see if it needs water before you water it.
Yes, overwatering causing constantly damp or wet soil will lead to root rot, and the loss of stems in pencil cactus. Another possible problem is if the light is too low, there's not enough energy to move moisture up the roots and through the stems. Test for moisture before watering, but test all the way to the bottom of the pot, because that's where the roots are. Here's a video on soil testing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf-8InSamYQ
So, less water, more light, your pencil cactus should turn around.
