When we imagine a cactus, typically an image of undeniable toughness is evoked as they are strong succulents in the desert withstanding all odds bastions of water conservation and endurance!
However, increasingly mystic and feminine things such as “cactus that cries” are more in demand. It evokes a cactus firing off tears from its skin, as if crying. So how does this relate to anything in the real world?
In this fascinating blog post we will take a look at what this strange phenomenon is, both scientifically and visually before amazing you with some of the emotional impacts that can be felt for all plant lovers.
In addition, we shall go the extra mile and offer some tips on how to water cacti as well signs that will help you know when moisture problems have affected your cactus or if unusual sap is being released.
What Does A Cactus with Shed a Tear Mean
This is an image that could be considered as “cactus with a tear” if we think of it again on the basis. It evokes in some a poetic image cactus as tough shell and tear indicating the pain. For others, it stands for a physical botanical property where the cactus looks as if its body secretes moisture or sap.
Or, for a more scientific explanation: cacti along with most other plants can give off sap or water when the right conditions allow. As for the “tear” mentioned above, this could just be a side effect of normal plant processes but can also point to an issue such as too much stress on your little Fiddle Leaf or it over getting watered even perhaps pest problem.
In this called photo were Cactus “crying” but in reality was a response to general poor conditions or bad treatment. Even though this sounds like a fun little fantasy, that seems to be clear when cacti sweat they have an issue.
Why Would a Cactus “Cry”?
If you see a bit of liquid dripping from your cactus, or what looks like a “tear,” this could be indicative of several situations. While it could be for a plethora of reasons, the following are some of the most common causes.
1. Overwatering
I say able, because cacti are great at conserving water. Since they have evolved to be able to live for long periods of time without moisture, when you water a cactus more than once or twice per month, this can cause the roots of your cactus plant(s) to rot.
This excessive water at times can show as liquid draining from your plant. This liquid might collect over the plant or even its ribs, and will look like a tear. If this is the problem, then you need to change your water schedule right away.
Answer: Well-draining soil and dry out the plant completely between waterings. The majority of cacti rely on bottom watering every 3-4 weeks, depending on your indoor environment.
2. Physical Damage
Cacti can take a beating. A cactus may also leak sap or moisture from a wound if it is injured, as part of its healing process. This fluid that may appear as droplets of “tears” is actually a biological response to the area being injured in order to contain and prevent additional moisture from entering.
Resolution: If there is irreparable damage, make sure that it has a safer location as not to cause more ripping. The plant should be able to heal itself for the most part, but you can carefully dust the wound with powdered sulfur or cinnamon help the drying along.
3. Pests and Disease
A cactus can secrete liquid in the presence of some pests, like mealy bugs or scale insects. Seedlings are tender and very sweet to such insects. Wounds or soft spots caused by bacterial/fungal infections are also possible parts of the moisture secretion equation, just FYI.
Solution: Examine your cactus very closely for any signs of pests or infection. Inspect for snowy, cottony areas or tiny brown bumps. If in doubt, treat the infestation and repot uprooting a plant means all you need to do is shake of standing soil for removal.
4. Guttation
Guttation occurs as a normal process in which plants exude surplus from their tissues. For many plants, guttation occurs at night when the plant continues to produce but does not transpire water as rapidly unless it is under extreme amounts of heat or drought. This creates mini droplets of water on the leaf surface that often looks like tears.
Though generally associated with leafy plants, cacti species produce guttation droplets when grown in humid environments or as a response to an overhead watering event.
Advice: Guttation tears are generally nothing to worry about. One way to discourage this is decreasing the humidity around the plant or altering how often you are watering.
Meaning Behind the Cactus with a Tear
It may be cacti with tears, symbolic of resilience and sadness alike that has motivated artists, poets & designers. The cactus is representative of endurance, protection from an outside onslaught and has even been linked to spiritual enlightenment. Thriving in places where many other plants would die, it can withstand the cold or heat of harsh desert landscapes.
But through this lens of a tear, the cactus has a different meaning now. The tear does a good job of humanizing the cactus that maybe even godsend, autonomous beings still need to let off some steam/cry/be stressed out.
This imagery has made its way through visual art, literature and even interior design as a representation of emotional contrasts. Chances are you will come across home-style decorations, or even depictions on canvas and art pieces of a sad strengthening cactus all about duality in strength yet emotive sensitivity behind stone faced nonchalance.
How to take care of a cactus: key tips avoid stress
Even if you have not seen any “tears” on your cactus, it is good to double-check the care routine for signs that may tell us our cacti are unhappy. The following tips are important to prevent your cactus from withering indoors-
1. Choose the Right Pot
Cacti will eventually die if left standing water, they can lead to root rot. Terra cotta pots get a lot of the praise, and for good reason too as terra cotta is permeable meaning it won’t suffocate your succulent or hold in moisture like other materials.
2. Use Well-Draining Soil
Cactus mixes: Cactus mixes are perfect soil for cacti and should be recommended as they contain the right balance between organic and inorganic material that ensures a good drainage of water. Do not use heavy soils which retain moisture that can result in waterlogged roots.
3. Water Sparingly
The primary reason that cactus become in trouble is from overwatering. Allow the soil to dry entirely between watering, and reduce watering while the plant is dormant in winter.
4. Provide Plenty of Sunlight
Cacti need a lot of light, so they do well in full sunlight. Just check your cactus is getting at least 4-6 hours of sun a day.
5. Monitor for Pests
Check your cactus periodically for pests and treat at the first sight of problems a healthy cactus is less likely to attract pests, so your overall routine care will be an important factor in the prevention of problems.
Final Thoughts
The idea behind “tear cactus” is an intriguing fusion of the scientific, symbolic and feeling. The presence of moisture or sap in your cactus might not be as extreme an issue like disease, but it does remind us that even the most rugged plants are sensitive to their own degree.
However, you can keep your prickly friends happy and colorful for years if you know why this happens, alongside following the basic care that is best practice for cacti!
