Cactus Died - What Could be the Reason?

[francocerisola]

Hi all,
unfortunately one of my cactus died the other day, can you give me a hint on what happend?
I'm not an experte in gardening, but I doubt this could be my fault.
I bought it three years ago and it has been kept always in the same place, over my desk.
I'm the only one who gives it water, and I'v been doing it the same way all these years.
The last time I saw it, was OK. But tree days later it was just like you can see in this picture [img]https://img42.imageshack.us/img42/4161/cactus.jpg[/img]
I'm also absolutely sure that no one or nathing as hit it, or damage it.
Is there a chance that it get sick in some way? Should I worry for the other cactus that were a cuple of inches from it?

Thanks in advance, and sorry for my english I'm learning ...

[a0c8c]

That looks like mold, how often have you been watering it lately? What kidn of soil is it in?

[Kisal]

Does it get sufficient sunlight?

Without sufficient sunlight, and with too much water, cacti can rot out inside and sit for years on the surface of the soil, looking as if they were just fine. I doubt that damage occurred over a period of a few days. Sorry!

[francocerisola]

Thanks for your fast reply!

how often have you been watering it lately?What kidn of soil is it in?

I'v been watering it from the top once every three weeks.
About the soil, I'm a little ashamed to say that I have no idea. Yet is the one it comes with when I bought it. Looks like regular soil mixed perhaps with some sand.

Does it get sufficient sunlight?

Not too much indeed, is not like it was in a dark place but it does not recive full sun light.
So maybe it was my fault after all. Think I still have lots of things to learn.

[Kisal]

I'm sorry your cactus died.

Cacti do require intense light, and while it can be provided by artificial means, such as grow lights, it requires a careful setup.

There are many plants that might thrive under the conditions available on your desk. Did you choose a cactus because they don't need to be watered very often?

Perhaps we can help you choose a plant that would be happier in your office.

[a0c8c]

I've got a small cactus about two and half inches tall that's under a lamp with a "plant light" and after two weeks I can tell it needs to go outside(It's not as green). They need alot of light, which makes me wonder why small cacti are office favorites.

[Diane]

Francocerisola, your English is great.
If you've had this plant for 3 years and this just happened, you shouldn't blame yourself. Things like this happen sometimes. Your other plants are fine?
I have large and small AloeVera, Christmas cactus, a 3 foot cactus that was inches tall when I bought it years ago, and other cactus plants.
I once lost one and don't know why.
I keep my plants near a south facing window. That's the best light I have and they do fine.
Can you put your plants near a window?
You can put then in some new soil and that can help them out if they've been in the same soil for years.

[francocerisola]

Thank you guys, all of you have been great.
Diane, thanks for cheering me up. I feel less guilty now
I'v already took care of the light issue. Now I'll see what I can do about the soil.