overwatering and Cereus
Quick answer
If overwatering is what's going on with your Cereus, the most likely cause is: Columnar Cereus peruviana specimens store moisture inside heavy water-laden stems and evolved for fast-draining desert habitat, so roots of indoor potted plants cannot respire when the compost stays damp for prolonged periods and anaerobic fungal pathogens colonize the dying crown from the inside out.
Start here:
- 1. Allow soil to become almost dry between waterings so the plant body feels slightly spongy before each thorough soak, then plumps up noticeably again after watering
- 2. Hold the soil completely dry during the cool winter rest period at 50-65°F (10-18°C) so dormant roots are not sitting in moisture
Why overwatering happens to Cereus
Cereus
Columnar Cereus peruviana specimens store moisture inside heavy water-laden stems and evolved for fast-draining desert habitat, so roots of indoor potted plants cannot respire when the compost stays damp for prolonged periods and anaerobic fungal pathogens colonize the dying crown from the inside out.
How to correct overwatering on Cereus
- 1
Allow soil to become almost dry between waterings so the plant body feels slightly spongy before each thorough soak, then plumps up noticeably again after watering
- 2
Hold the soil completely dry during the cool winter rest period at 50-65°F (10-18°C) so dormant roots are not sitting in moisture
Keep overwatering from repeating on this Cereus
Pot Cereus peruviana in 3 parts cactus potting soil to 1 part sterilized garden soil so excess water drains fast, and never let the container stand in a saucer of water after watering.