I have an Astrophytum ornatum cactus, with some sort of disease/fungus. It’s had some black spots on part of the bottom for most of the year, in the past month, since I’ve repotted it, it has spread all over the bottom part, with some tan spots above it, that look like it may be some sort of fungus. I would love to try and help this plant, anyone know what’s wrong?
This message was edited Nov 19, 2014 12:45 AM
Looks like the actual tissue of the plant is turning black/brown.
Not a good sign.
I would pull away the rock and some soil, try to dry it out.
Apologies for taking so long to respond.
I unpotted the cactus to check the roots and to help dry it out as suggested, the roots seem OK, and the brown area is firm, not soft as I’d expect with root rot. What other diseases would cause the flesh to turn this colour? Is it worth trying to save the cactus, or will any efforts end up being futile? I've uploaded another image that shows the bottom of the cactus better than the last 3.
I do not know what it is.
I would suggest quarantining this one. Do not share tools or touch this one first.
Work with this one last, sterilize the tools, wash your hands well.
Could it be "corking"?
http://cactiguide.com/cactipests/#corking
I suppose it could be. Especially if it is firm, not soft or mushy.
