We get Questions

What's the problem, you ask? Well, send along a picture, and we'll try to figure it out. Sometimes, all we can do is guess, even with a picture.

Q: Hello,

I am a frequent visitor of your shop; it is a wonderful place. I hope you will be willing to answer a question about my pencil cactus.

Within the last few weeks, the cactus has been shedding arms. I water it fairly infrequently (once a month). It lives indoors in a pot and gets indirect sunlight. It was healthy until recently and I wonder if I overwatered it given the drop in temperature.

Is there anything I can do to stop the branches from falling off? If not, can I encourage new growth in the areas that have lost branches? The spots that remain are dry and hard on the trunk of the plant; I can't imagine new growth emerging there.

I've attached a photo of the plant.

Thanks for your time!
Jenny



A: Jenny,

It is hard to tell what is going on with your Euphorbia. Is there any chance you could bring it by for us to take close up look at? It might have a fungus or root mealy bugs causing it to stress and drop stems.

Branch drop can be caused by too much water or not enough, in your case it sounds like it might have been needing a bit more water, though this time of year once a month is good. In warmer weather and more daylight it would like water more in the two week range.

You should give your plant some kelp, liquid or dry as it is basically a multi vitamin for plants. It should help boost the plant's immunity. The liquid can be sprayed on the stems to encourage branching in the spring.

Good luck,
Hap