Cacti are known for being sturdy plants that can thrive in harsh environments.
However, even cacti can succumb to an occasional fall.
So, why is my cactus falling over, and how can I prevent it? There can be various reasons, some more serious than others, but fortunately, there are also solutions.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the possible causes of cacti falling over, as well as solutions to get your prickly plant back on its feet.
Reasons Your Cactus Might Be Falling Over
There can be various reasons why your cactus is falling over.
Some are more serious than others, but all should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
The following are some common reasons cactus plants fall over.
The Pot Is Too Big or Too Small
One of the most common reasons cacti fall overis because they are planted in pots that are either too big or too small.
If a cactus is planted in a pot that is too large, the roots will grow slowly and become spindly. This can lead to the cactus becoming top-heavy and falling over.
On the other hand, if a cactus is planted in a pot that is too small, the roots will be constricted and will not be able to grow properly.
This can also lead to a cactus plant becoming top-heavy and falling over.
How To Fix It
To prevent your cactus from falling over, plant it in a pot of the appropriate size.
A good rule of thumb for repotting cacti is to choose a container that’s at least twice the width of the cactus.
For example, if a cactus is 15 inches (38 centimeters) in width, you should choose a pot that’s at least 30 inches (76 centimeters) wide.
If your cactus has already fallen over, you can correct the problem by transplanting it into a larger pot.
Be sure to remove as much of the old soil as possible and then replant it in fresh soil.
You can also add a stake for support until your plant grows new roots and becomes sturdy enough on its own again.
Using stakes will not cause long-term damage to your plant unless they are left in place for too long after the initial problem has been resolved.
Be sure to remove the stake after about three months.
The Pot Is Not Heavy Enough
If a cactus is not planted in a heavy pot, it can become top-heavy and fall over.
This is often the case with cacti potted in plastic or lightweight terracotta pots.
Cactus pots should be heavy enough to prevent the plant from toppling over in case of strong winds or other environmental factors.
How To Fix It
To prevent your cactus from falling over, be sure to use a heavy pot.
The best type of pot for cacti is a heavy terra-cotta pot. Terra-cotta pots are long-lasting and porous, which allows them to absorb excess moisture from the soil.
If you prefer plastic pots, you can place a few large stones at the bottom of the pot before adding soil. This will add weight and help keep your plant upright.
If you live in an area with high winds, you may need to take additional steps to secure your cactus.
You can do this by using stakes or tying the plant down with wire or twine.
The Soil Is Not Suitable
Cactus plants need soil that is well-draining and dry.
If you use heavy or waterlogged soil, the cactus will be unable to absorb moisture from the ground, which can cause it to fall over.
Some common types of unsuitable soils are clay, loam, and compost.
These types of soils should never be used for cacti because they lack drainage properties and have a high nutrient content that may burn roots if left in contact with them too long (especially compost).
Heavy or waterlogged soil also makes your plant susceptible to rot, which can cause the cactus to fall over and die.
How To Fix It
To prevent your cactus from falling over, be sure to use well-draining soil that is light in weight.
The best soil for cacti is a cactus soil mix. Also, a good soil mix for cacti is one part potting soil, one part pearlite, and one part coarse sand.
If you have already planted your cactus in unsuitable soil, you can correct the problem by transplanting it into a new pot using a well-draining soil mix suitable for cacti.
Be sure to water sparingly until the plant has become re-established in its new pot.
The Cactus Is Overwatered
Another common reason cacti may fall over is overwatering.
Cactus plants require very little water (usually once every one to two weeks) and cannot tolerate standing water in their soil for long periods.
If you have been watering your cactus too often or using a soil that doesn’t drain well, the excess water will cause the soil to become waterlogged, and the plant will be unable to absorb moisture from the ground.
How To Fix It
To prevent your cactus from falling over due to overwatering, it’s important not to water until the soil has completely dried out between each watering session.
You should wait at least one week before deciding whether or not another watering session is needed. It’s also essential to use a soil that drains well and a pot with drainage holes.
If you suspect your cactus has already been overwatered, you can fix the problem by allowing it to dry out for a few days.
If there is still water in the pot after that time, empty some of it out until only about half an inch remains at the bottom of your container (this will prevent root rot from occurring).
During this period, when you are fixing your overwatered cactus, do not water again until the soil has completely dried out between each watering session.
It’s also essential to use a soil that drains well and a pot with drainage holes (preventing standing water around roots) and often airing out plants if they’re kept indoors so air circulation can help them recover faster too!
Once you have fixed the problem, be sure to use well-draining soil for your cacti and a container with drainage holes.
The Cactus Is Underwatered
A cactus may also fall over because it is underwatered.
Lack of water can cause the soil to become dry and hard, making it difficult for roots to absorb moisture from the ground (and therefore, there isn’t enough support for your plant).
Underwatering can also lead to dehydration in plants that causes them to fall and eventually die if left untreated long enough.
How To Fix It
If you suspect your cactus has been underwater, you can fix the problem by watering more often than once every one to two weeks.
Be sure to water until the soil has become wet and drenched and allow excess water to drain from the pot.
After watering, wait at least one week before deciding whether or not another watering session is needed.
It’s also essential to use a soil that drains well and a pot with drainage holes.
During this period, when you are fixing your underwatered cactus, do not water again until the soil has completely dried out between each watering session.
Be careful not to overwater your cactus in the process!
The Cactus Has Frost Damage
Another common reason cacti may fall over is frost damage.
Most cactus plants cannot tolerate temperatures below freezing and will incur frost damage if exposed to these conditions.
Frost damage on a cactus can cause the plant to become weak and brittle, making it difficult for roots to absorb moisture from the ground (and therefore, there isn’t enough support for your plant).
If your cactus has been damaged by frost, you may notice that the leaves have turned brown or black and are wilted.
The cactus plant may also be drooping or leaning due to the loss of structural support from the damaged leaves.
How To Fix It
If your cactus has been damaged by frost, the first thing you can do is to make sure it’s in a safe area where it won’t get hit again.
Move your cactus indoors so that it can recover from frost damage. You can also try to cover it with a blanket or sheet if there is another frost warning in your area.
You should also cut back on watering until new growth starts coming out so as not to overwater them while recovering from the damage caused by frost.
You may also want to try moving it into brighter light conditions, such as putting them under fluorescent lights during their recovery period.
This will allow more energy production through photosynthesis and speed up the healing process for these plants!
The Plant Is Top Heavy
Plants are living things, and they grow. As cactus plants get bigger, their weight also increases. This can cause the plant to become top-heavy and fall over time.
The taller the cactus gets, the more likely it will fall over because of its increased height and consequent weight distribution problems (which will affect stability).
Also, the roots of a cactus can only hold so much weight before they start to pull on one side or another, which causes the cactus to fall.
How To Fix It
If your cactus is falling over because it’s become top-heavy, you can try to redistribute the weight by pruning some of the taller branches.
This can also help with air circulation around the plant, which will improve its overall health and stability.
You should also consider repotting your cactus into a larger container to give them more room at their base for root growth!
This will provide better support in future seasons when heavy rainfalls occur, or winds pick up again during the winter months.
If your cactus is still falling, you may want to try and stake it up with a piece of wood or metal pole. This will help to keep it from toppling over in bad weather conditions like storms or heavy winds.
You could also try tying them down using a rope to prevent them from moving around too much in high winds because they’ll be anchored securely by this method as well!
The Roots Are Rotting
One of the main reasons cacti may fall over is root rot.
Root rot is a disease that occurs when roots are too wet for an extended period, which causes them to decay and die.
As the roots get weaker from rot damage, they can no longer support the weight of your cactus plant.
How To Fix It
If your cactus has root rot, you’ll need to cut away any damaged roots and repot the plant in a new potting mix.
Ensure the new pot has good drainage so that the roots can dry out quickly (this will help stop the rot from spreading).
You should also cut back on watering until new growth starts coming out so as not to overwater them while recovering from the damage caused by root rot.
You may also want to try moving it into brighter light conditions during their recovery period.
This will allow more energy production through photosynthesis and speed up the healing process for these plants!
The Cactus Doesn’t Get Enough Sunlight
Another reason your cactus may be falling over is that it’s not getting enough sunlight.
Cacti need direct sunlight to stay healthy and grow properly.
If yours isn’t receiving at least six hours of sunlight each day, this could lead to problems such as stunted growth.
Also, they may fall if they’re not getting enough light because this lack of energy production will hinder the growth of their roots.
How To Fix It
If your cactus is falling over due to a lack of sunlight, move it into an area where there’s more direct sun exposure.
This might mean taking them outside during the day and bringing them inside at night so that they can get enough sunlight on both sides!
Cactus need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to stay healthy.
However, too much sunlight can also be harmful, so make sure to keep an eye on them and move them back inside if they start getting too much sun.
Also, consider supplementing with grow lights if they’re not getting enough sunlight in their current location.
This will help them continue growing tall and strong without worrying about falling over!
The Cactus Is Infested With Pests
Another possible reason your cactus may be falling over it’s because it has a pest infestation.
Pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids can cause severe damage to cacti plants by sucking the sap out of their tissues (which will make them weak and susceptible to toppling over).
Pests should be treated as soon as possible to not spread to other plants in your home or garden (which could lead to more damage).
How To Fix It
If you find a pest infestation on one of your cacti plants, treat it immediately.
Depending on the pest, there are various ways that you can treat it.
For example, mealybugs can be treated with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, spider mites can be controlled using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, and aphids can be killed with neem oil or pyrethrum.
You should also quarantine any new cacti plants before bringing them into your home/garden, just in case hidden insects are lurking within their potting mix.
This will prevent any potential pests from spreading around and causing more problems for you later down the road when those bugs have hatched out inside another plant’s soil!
Final Thoughts
Cacti plants can be a great addition to any garden or home, but they require some care and attention to stay healthy.
If your cactus is falling over, take a closer look at the reasons why and try to correct the problem as soon as possible!
By following these simple tips, you’ll have happy and healthy cactus plants that will add some life (and color!) to your space.
