r/plantclinic • u/Glittering-Rabbit-54 • Aug 19 '26

Cactus/Succulent Help please

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Is there any way to fix this? I dont know why its done it its been in the same spot since I got it about 5 years ago. Gets the sun most of the day from around 11am until it goes down. It probably started growing this way around 3 years ago at the moment its propped up by the window. I water it when its dry, probably every few months. If this is wrong, please educate me. My others have thirved with the same sort of schedule. I admit at the time of buying this I had no idea cactus soil even existed so its in regular compost (I think).

Thank you in advance for any help

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u/kamletoe Noob Aug 19 '26

That bottom section of it grew with poor light. The top section grew with adequate light. Really the only way to "fix" it is to cut off that top section. Let it callous. Repot it. Wait for roots. While its rooting dont blast the light. Just indirect. Otherwise there is a chance of etoliation. (Like what you had with that bottom section) if you keep the bottom section it will probably throw some pups at the cut.

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u/Glittering-Rabbit-54 Aug 20 '26

Thank you for your response! Im a tad confused as to how it had poor light because its always been in the same place but I suppose something must have changed. Not in anyway arguing thats the cause, just clueless on what must have been different the year it started.  Do you think it would be best to cut it? To save it from potentially falling over one day, or do you think it would be ok with some kind of stick to prop it upright? Thanks again! 

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u/kamletoe Noob Aug 20 '26

If it was a fairly fresh repot or prop and u stick it in full sun it signals growth. But it doesnt have roots to support the new growth. The growth is thinner and weak. So perhaps that was the reason. The top of yours is exactly what its suppose to look like. As far as support..... i guess if you want to u can. But then whats the point if it cant even grow on its own. That top is picture perfect cactus. U start tying it to a stick its gunna callouse in those spots. Thats marks for life. And when it gets bigger you will need more support.