Cactus owners love caring for their plants and are concerned when they aren't doing well. Our customers sometimes ask, "Why is my cactus turning yellow?" 

We would like to discuss some of the most common reasons that even healthy specimens sometimes turn yellow and show signs of distress. We'd also like to invite you to shop around on our site tobuy a cactus online from The Cactus Outlet.

Primary Causes of Yellowing

The most prevalent problems that lead to yellowing cacti involve essentials for all life — water and sunlight. 

Overwatering

Cacti are highly drought-tolerant and have evolved to thrive in arid conditions. They have difficulty managing excess water, which leads to root rot that turns stems soft and yellow. Therefore, always be sure to allow the soil your cacti grow in to dry out thoroughly before watering them. 

Underwatering

Cacti can become dehydrated in very dry conditions. If yellowing is accompanied by wrinkling and thinning, your plants could need watering. Depending on overall climate conditions, during hot weather, it's generally safe to water cacti every two to three weeks. 

Improper Light Exposure

Cacti thrive when they receive around four to six hours of sunlight daily. Too much direct sunlight for plants that are not acclimatized can scorch the plant, causing yellowing or scarring. Too little daylight causes elongation in addition to yellowing. 

For outdoor cacti still adjusting to a new environment, shade cloth can protect them from excessive direct sunlight.  Use 30% shade cloth not the 70%-90% typically found in hardware stores. 

Additional Factors That Lead People To Ask, “Why Is My Cactus Turning Yellow?”

In addition to issues that arise in caring for your plants with the amount of water and light that cacti receive directly, several other problems lead to yellowing, including:

• Poor drainage. Cacti need soil that drains efficiently and completely. Don't use regular potting soil — instead, use a cactus-specific potting mix to ensure that your plants can properly develop roots and will not suffer from excess moisture.
• Nutrient deficiencies. Indoor cacti are especially susceptible to yellowing due to nutrient deficiencies. Look into using a cactus-specific fertilizer with sufficient phosphorus and follow the brand's recommended application schedule.
• Pests. Pests that suck sap from cacti can cause yellow spots and scars on your plants. Inspect your cacti regularly for infestation, especially by spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Washing your cacti off or using appropriate insecticidal soap or neem oil can prevent infestations. 
• Transplant shock. When you repot your cactus or move it to a new outdoor location, it can suffer yellowing and stress. When transplanting, avoid disturbing roots more than necessary and acclimate the cactus to bright light slowly.

Contact The Cactus Outlet for Advice on Caring for Cacti and Succulents

If you are concerned about questions like, "Why is my cactus turning yellow?" The Cactus Outlet is here to provide expert information to our customers about caring for alltypes of cacti and succulents.

We have been growing and shipping beautiful, healthy cacti and succulents to our customers' doorsteps for over two decades.  

Shop our website or contact The Cactus Outlet today at 1 (800) 826-9396 for more information about our cacti and succulent offerings.