Cactus help

[Demon-Xanth]

I planted a couple of small cacti in some old hard drives a while back, probably 4 or 5 months ago. One at work, a couple at home. Lately ALL of them have been dieing like they were normal plants that haven't been watered. Until recently they were doing great.

Before I attempt to replace them, does anyone have any idea what happened? Note that they started to die off at the exact same time even though they were completely different cacti and one was 20 miles away from the others. (and yes, I was careful about watering them)

 

[Demon-Xanth]

bump

 

[Pepsei]

<< I planted a couple of small cacti in some old hard drives >>



whut? don't follow you....

 

[Zim Hosein]

<< I planted a couple of small cacti in some old hard drives a while back, >>


You lost me right about here Demon-Xanth, please elaborate

 

[Demon-Xanth]

I had some old hard drives that were on the large side, so I took the platters and heads out and replaced it with dirt and cacti.

Edit:
note the window in this pic:
http://www.geocities.com/demonxanthwataru/Geekpics/Im000155.jpg

The taller one was moved into it's own pot to reduce the crowding.

 

[Moonbeam]

Could be the metal is toxic. It is difficult to grow any plant in a container that doesn't drain, but cactus are quite succeptable to root rot if left in very wet soil especially in cold temperatures. Do you know what kind you have? Some cactus are very touchy and other varieties are tough. Their roots can also get attacked by a mealy, powery looking, white bug. They also generally like some full sun. Many people use the term cactus to include euphorbia and various other succulents.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Hmm, it's just odd that 3 different type would have it happen at the same time. But I don't know what type they are. And that window gets ALOT of sun and it's never cold (note the three monitors below it and the fan beside it). The average yearly temperature of the room is in the upper '70s. Even when it's snowing outside.

 

[Moonbeam]

Aside from the possible toxins in from the metal, does the container drain and if not do you let it dry out between waterings? Constant watering over a period of time, where the only excape for the water is evaporation eventually consentrates the minerals present in the water in the pot soil.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Well, by thier nature the containers don't drain, however I do allow for long periods between waterings (so I don't kill them by over-watering)

 

[Moonbeam]

What are we talking about here with long per.............iods. In the wild cactus have an extensive surface root system that captures and stores water that may be present only briefly throughout the year. In a pot, however, because of limits on root growth, they need much more frequent watering. What do you use for soil. Nurseries often sell a cactus mix. If you got water and sun and nutrient, your plants should be ok. Maybe you could line the drive cases with a plastic membrane so the roots can't contact the metal.

 

[BD2003]

Its probably the oxidation of the metal thats causing the problems.