Cactus Turning Yellow Archives - Desert Foothills Gardens Nursery Inc.

Why Is My Cactus Turning Yellow?

If you are wondering why your cactus is turning yellow, we’re here to provide four possible explanations for the discoloration taking place.

Reasons A Cactus Turns Yellow

The four reasons why a cactus may become discolored include:

Cactus positioning.
Excess of light.
Lack of light.
Indoors.

Cactus Positioning

A cacti needs full exposure of sunlight for 6-8 hours each day to grow properly. In most cases, the southern aspects of the garden will receive the most sunlight on a daily basis. If you happen to move a cacti outdoors due to overwatering indoors, place the plant in a low light spot for the first few days. Then, gradually increase the amount of light it is exposed to after that trial period. Starting with low light, then increasing exposure over time gives the plant the best opportunity to adapt to its new environment.

Excess Of Light

The amount of light needed does depend on the type of cacti you have. You will be able to judge how much light is needed by monitoring any discoloration. Orange and yellow discolorations are clear indicators of too much light exposure. If a cactus is moved too close to light, it can become scorched. A scorched cacti will develop permanent rings atop the plant.

Lack Of Light

When placing your cacti in a certain spot, it is vital to recognize the signs of a plant not receiving enough light. Cacti that grows toward light sources needs to be moved closer to the light. Make sure to rotate the plant frequently so all sides receive a proper amount of sunlight.

Indoors

Cacti positioned close to windows indoor will begin yellowing when facing south. A net style curtain placed on the window can help decrease the yellowing progression. If any discoloration is noticed, it is suggested to move the cacti further away from the window.

Cactus For Sale In Arizona

If you are interested in increasing the beauty of your landscape by buying desert plants, stop by our convenient location at 33840 N. Cave Creek Rd., in Cave Creek. For customers interested in our landscaping services, give us a call at (480) 488-9455 to schedule a visit to your home.