Cactus Shrinking: Common Causes and How to Revive Your Plant

Cacti are great plants to add to your succulent garden or landscape. You might not think they need much maintenance due to their reputation as a tough desert plant, and while this is true, you should keep a keen eye on them to ensure their longevity. 

If you notice your cactus is shrinking, you might be taken aback by it. However, there are five main reasons why your cactus is shrinking. The good news is that you can likely prevent all of these potential issues with careful care!


Reasons Why Your Cactus Is Shrinking

Why Is My Cactus Shrinking?

There are several potential reasons why your cactus is shrinking. Here are some of the most common ones.

Too Much Water

Cactuses are notorious for needling little water, so it is possible to overwater them. Usually, you can tell overwatering has occurred when the stems turn mushy and the soil is soggy. One way to combat this is to wait until the soil is dry to water it again. 

When you water it, soak the soil until it starts to drain out of the holes in the container. Remove excess water and avoid letting it sit in water because the roots will begin to rot. Root rot is another common cause of cactus shrinkage. 

Too Little Water 

Cacti hold water in their stems which gives them that iconic plump look. And even though a cactus doesn’t need much water, going too long without water will cause issues too. A cactus will shrink if it doesn’t have water in its reserves.

One way to check the water level is to check the soil. If you put your finger in about an inch or more and feel dryness, it is too dry. 

Too Much Sunlight 

Cactus Shrinking

Cacti are very adaptable. If you take them from an environment with little light and put them in a very sunny area, they might dry up and shrink. Instead, reintroduce light gradually to keep them healthy. 

A sudden temperature change can also cause sunburn on your cactus, which is also a cause of shrinking. The best way to handle too much light is to split the day in half, with one part of the day in the light and the other in the shade. 

Too Little Sunlight 

Similar to too much sunlight, too little sunlight can cause your cactus to shrink and slowly die. The scientific name for this is etiolation

Etiolation happens when a plant is deprived of sunlight. Sunlight deprivation causes them to lose their green color because they cannot conduct photosynthesis. 

Without photosynthesis, plant growth is stunted. Stunted growth portrays shrinkage. If you do not have much natural light available, consider investing in a grow light. 

Rotting Within the Cactus 

As with all plants, root rot is a common and possible issue. Unfortunately, it is difficult to salvage a plant once root rot has set in. If you find wet and soggy soil, you might want to check the roots. 

If the roots are brown and slimy, they are not healthy. Healthy roots should be firm and white. You can try to cut off the rotted roots if only a few are rotting, but if there are a lot of them rotting, then you should either get rid of the plant or try to propagate it. 

Fortunately, propagation with a cactus is not as hard as you may think. Take a large-sized cutting and leave it in a dry place for a few weeks until it grows a callus. Then re-pot it in a new container with fresh, well-drained soil.


Final Thoughts 

Cacti are fun plants that add style to any garden or landscape. Unfortunately, improper care can lead to a shrinking cactus or leaf drop. Becoming aware of the five main potential causes and how you can stop them will save you plenty of time and headaches along the way.