Is My Cactus Still Alive?

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Hello,
I’m seeking help for my cactus, and I don’t know who to talk to. I’m not sure what’s going on, but it looks like my cactus is deteriorating. The base of the cactus turned brown and the brown color is creeping up each branch. Even worse, the branches are cracking and look like they’re going to fall off. In fact, one already did. I also noticed that the base is oozing fluid, and I see a red spot that’s attracting flies. I was wondering if you have any idea what the problem is, or if you can refer me to someone who can help. Is there any way to save the cactus, or should I lop off the parts of the branches that are still green and replant them? The cactus is about 20′ tall (higher than my house), and I’d hate to let it go.

I’ve attached a few pics so you can see what I’m describing.

Close-up of a broken tree branch with rough, jagged edges, set among wooden boards, dry leaves, and rocks outdoors. Sunlight highlights bark textures—much like checking cactus health or asking, "is my cactus alive?" in proper cactus care. Close-up of several tall, ribbed cacti with yellow-green and brownish sections, showing signs of aging or damage—a useful view for checking cactus health—in bright sunlight. A wooden post and blurred background are visible.

Thank you for any assistance you can provide,
Brian

Brian, Your cactus is no longer among the living, it is a former cactus – it has died. I do not know what happened but often this can be a problem of a pot that is too small, or kept in the same pot for too long. In the ground it can be caused by too much water, or poor soil. Plants also have limited life spans and are susceptible to pests and viruses so it may have caught something.

Peter

    
    
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