Killed a cactus

[CopperBolt]

Anyone know if it’s overwatering or under watering done it?

It’s got white sort of dusty bits all over it, faded to yellow and is really loose in the pot. Roots dead I think.



Thanks all.

[RGG]

It might not be underwatering or overwatering -

It could well be the work of mealybugs -

[Simpo Two]

Lift up the inner pot. If it weighs nothing it needs water. Cacti may live in deserts but they still need some water to live.

If it's heavy you over-watered it.

[CopperBolt]

RGG said:

It might not be underwatering or overwatering -

It could well be the work of mealybugs -

You could be right. Beyond saving now I think.

[The Gauge]

I believe they don't like sitting in wet compost, and that they can be drenched in water but any excess water needs to drain away.

I have a couple of cacti that used to belong to my late grandfather, then inherited by my mother, and now me, I think they are about 60yrs old.
I've potted them on using a a mix of compost, perlite, grit and sharp sand, hoping they survive.