#corking

[queer-flesh-simulacrum]

*Gets home from work and uncorks my feet from my legs like a bratz doll*

Aahhhhh

[thecassafrasstree]

MOSS RUG MOSS RUG MOSS RUG. Got a long way to go before it's big enough, though. 😁

[travelingplants]

Help wanted! I decapitated this guy so that I could replant him and grow new babies from the stem. The babies are fine, but I’ve had this guy suspended over water trying to grow roots for almost a month and a half now and there is no sign of growth!! Quite the opposite, the stubby stem has started to cork up!! Any one know how to get roots from this?

[avanunez13]

I love stanning 👏🏽TALENT👏🏽

[maderafurniturecompany]

#corking table complete and installed. #walnut #customwoodworking #wine #winecellars #custommade #customfurniture #madeintacoma #tacoma_wa #creatingfineartforliving #interiordesign #woodwork (at Hoppet Design Construction)

[los-plantalones]

Hello!

It has been forever and a day since I have been on tumblr. But do you still give cactus and plant advice? You helped me out a while back with my tall boi, and I am in need of some guidance again if you are still giving advice.

My cactus has gotten EXTREMELY tall over the last year and last week my mom knocked him over. While I was brushing his spines the other day I noticed some spots in the second picture. I have never seen anything like that on him before. Do you know what that is? I’m worried it is damage from his fall.

Also is the marking at his base still corking?

I worry very much about this tall child, I fee him from a seed over 10 years ago! So I get very anxious over him. Any help would be extreme appreciated!

Welcome back!

The dark marks ARE a bit of damage from his fall, but it’s nothing serious! This kind of cactus is glaucous -- meaning that it’s covered in a bluish coating of waxy powder. The coating helps protect it from the sun. It’s easily rubbed off by touch or rubbing against it, which most likely happened during the fall. It’s pretty much just a cosmetic issue; he should be fine.

And yes -- the marks at his base are signs of corking. He’s a beautiful old boy :D

[los-plantalones]

Hello! I was browsing the cactus help tag when I saw you helping others out with their cactuses! I was hoping you could help me too.

I have had the tall prickly child on the right there for about 10 years. I grew it from a seed and once a year I repot it. I did the annual repotting about a 2 weeks ago, and I noticed my prickly child is cracking at the base and it is changing colors! Luckily the base isnt mushy. It also had a very bulbous top before, which has since deflated.

I hope I haven’t killed it with the repotting this year! I’m so worried about it! Any advice or help would be so greatly APPRECIEATED! Thank you so much!!

********************

This is a very common question which I’m happy to report has a positive answer! The cracking and browning at the base is called “corking”. It happens when a cactus starts to get old. It’s not pretty, but a badge of honor that you kept your child alive this long!

The slightly deflated top could just be due to stress from repotting. It looks very healthy so I don’t think there’s cause to worry – it should bounce back when you begin watering again.