Help identifying cacti (?) and do they look like they've died.

sendingmeemailsyouare

I've never had plants before, but I've recently rescued some cacti from someone who was throwing them away. Having repotted them today, I've discovered that one of them is quite a lot bigger that I thought, because large portions were buried in the last pot. As a result, half of one of the cacti is very brown, and the other cacti is entirely yellow and brown anyway... since the first one at least has green parts, I'm hoping they're not dying, but if anyone has any knowledge about this, I'd be grateful!

To be honest, I have no idea what I'm doing, but I've put them into the only bigger pots I had that had drainage. If anyone knows what types they are and whether they are both actually cacti, that would be really helpful!

thecactiguy

You have two lovely little plants there! Make sure they are in soil with good drainage. Most cacti go dormant from around September to February ish so its best to leave them well alone when it comes to repotting in those months. This is because the roots don't grow or grow very little and therefore frequent watering can cause root rot which will then kill the plant. These two look quite alive though! The browning on the first from what I can see looks like its just from where its been buried below the soil. (anyone please do correct me if I'm wrong) but I believe the first to be some sort of Mammillaria and the second to be a Parodia Leninghausii. I am no expert in names so this many be wrong but hope it helps none the less! 

sendingmeemailsyouare

doesycreeper said:

You have two lovely little plants there! Make sure they are in soil with good drainage. Most cacti go dormant from around September to February ish so its best to leave them well alone when it comes to repotting in those months. This is because the roots don't grow or grow very little and therefore frequent watering can cause root rot which will then kill the plant. These two look quite alive though! The browning on the first from what I can see looks like its just from where its been buried below the soil. (anyone please do correct me if I'm wrong) but I believe the first to be some sort of Mammillaria and the second to be a Parodia Leninghausii. I am no expert in names so this many be wrong but hope it helps none the less! 

Thanks so much for your help! The first one has since been destroyed by my small, fluffy friend who suddenly decided that it was evil ( ), but the little round one is thriving again! I'll avoid watering it too much in future

sendingmeemailsyouare

philippasmith2 said:

You really need a much drier, grittier soil than it appears from your photos.  If you can find some smaller pots ( even making them from old yogurt pots or similar with drainage holes drilled in the base ? ), less chance of roots rotting off.  Plants are like us - they prefer clothing of a size which fits

Thanks! I'll do that.