How to straighten a cactus: why does the plant stretch up or lean in one direction and what to do in such cases?

Many beginner gardeners believe that a cactus is a very unpretentious plant that requires almost no care. Disappointment comes gradually when a previously neat compact plant of the correct form begins to lean sideways or lengthen disproportionately.

These processes are associated with improper care. To avoid them, you need to know as much as possible about your cactus. The article tells why the cactus leaned in one direction, and how to straighten it or what to do if the plant is stretched.

Why does the plant stretch up?

There are several reasons for the cactus to stretch out a lot:

Lack of light.
Incorrect temperature.
Nutrient deficiency.
Incorrect transplant time.

But it also happens that all the rules of cultivation are observed, and the plant continues to grow stubbornlyx This means that the cactus belongs to a species that must reach a certain length in length.

These types include:

cereus;
aporocactus;
prickly pear.

If the cactus, by its nature, should grow proportionally, then it is necessary to revise the growing conditions.

Lack of light

There is a misconception that a cactus can grow in any conditions. This is far from the case.

Attention! If the plant lacks light, it will try to get it by any means, including stretching up.

In order to help the plant regain its natural form, you need to place it in a well-lit place.

Temperature

The life cycle of a cactus consists of two phases: a period of active growth and the formation of green mass and a dormant period. The first cycle is in summer and autumn. At this time, the temperature should be 20-30 degrees above zero.

When the plant goes into hibernation and dormancy sets in, it is better to place it in a cool placewhere the temperature does not exceed 15 degrees. Otherwise, it will continue to grow exclusively upward.

In order for the plant to feel comfortable, it is necessary to observe the correct temperature regime, based on the life cycle of the cactus.

Illumination and temperature conditions are directly related. So, if the cactus is contained in a very warm place, it will certainly begin to stretch.

Transplant time

Transplanting is one of the most important events in the life of any plant and cactus, including. If you perform this procedure incorrectly, you can seriously harm or even destroy the plant (to find out what can cause the cactus to die and how to understand that the plant is dying, click here).

Adult cacti are transplanted in the winter, young ones in the spring.

Important! If you do not observe the seasonal conditions of the transplant, then an adult cactus transplanted in the spring will take on an unpresentable form, stretching itself upward.

Incorrect feeding

Of course, it is necessary to fertilize the soil. But you need to observe a sense of proportion. This is especially true for nitrogen-containing fertilizers. The fact is that nitrogen affects the growth of the plant. With its large number, the cactus will grow disproportionately. If this happens, then it is better to change the soil in which the plant resides.

Lack of nutrients will cause the plant to stretch, will become thin and emaciated. In order to help the plant, it will be necessary to use fertilizers for the soil, which are easy to purchase in a specialized store.

Why bends over?

Many flower growers encounter such a problem when the cactus begins to grow to the side, that is, it bends. The cause of this phenomenon may be the following:

Light enters the cactus from a certain side and in small quantities. Therefore, it grows in the direction where the light source is. In order to correct the situation, you need to turn the pot on the other side, and it is better to completely change the place of growth. If an inclination has occurred, then the cactus needs the sun.
Rot. Even if there is enough light, the cactus can bend. Symptoms of decay of the roots and base are the yellowness of the plant trunk, its softness (why does the cactus turn yellow?). Most likely, the cause of rotting was excessive watering.

Reference. To save the plant, it must be removed from the soil and carefully inspected. If the roots can no longer be saved, then you can cut off the top, which is healthy. The upper part must be dried and rooted in new soil.

What to do if it grows crookedly?

How to fix. A plant grows crookedly if the light source is far from it. Therefore, to correct the situation, it is best to rearrange the pot with the plant in a place where the sun's rays will be in excess. Over time, the plant will acquire the correct shape.

Cactus is an amazing plant that attracts attention and pleases the eye. With proper care, you can achieve rapid growth and healthy appearance of your pet.