Q.Poorly cactus
We have a beloved cactus, (Colin), who is around 25 years old and 6 feet tall…he has outlived all of my partners previous relationships, though he has been nurtured since he came to live with me. He has pride of place in a bright spot in the kitchen french windows, and was re-potted last year into a larger pot, with fancy specialist compost and given a good feed.
All of a sudden,this year, he has developed small black spots, and has begun looking ‘withery’. He also feels rather spongey, towards the top rather than the bottom; which still looks strong.Your thoughts would be much appreciated, as my partner has stated that if he does die, I will be booking a coffin which can fit both of them in (not that he is being dramatic of course!)
We have attached a selection of pictures which may help to diagnose the problem..
Many thanks and best wishes
Sally and a deeply distressed Alan (Nottingham)
Your cactus looks like they may have been hit by a fungal disease, in which case, it may be to late. Once the plant tissues go mushy, they're essentially dead. However, poke them gently with a pencil to see if it is mushy everywhere, or if the tissues are still firm. If they're firm, and you can allow the soil to dry and the plant to right itself and reinstate it's natural defenses
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/cactus-going-soft.htm
