A gentle look into the next steps of this cactus rescue journey — from callusing a damaged cutting to giving both rescued cacti their first fresh potting. In this phase, I walk through root rest, soil preparation, and how careful hydration sets the foundation for long-term recovery.

Phase 1 of this cactus rescue series covers how I retrieved two neglected hotel plants, assessed their condition, cleaned their roots, and began the stabilization process. This post documents the first steps toward their recovery and what comes next in Phase 2.

Discover how to build a colorful, diverse cactus collection without overspending or overcrowding your space. Learn how to choose plants intentionally, mix ages for visual interest, and use a cactus wishlist to guide your collecting.

This post introduces my full cactus rescue series—how I found the plants, what condition they were in, and the multi-phase restoration plan I’ll be following to bring them back to health.

When my cactus started yellowing on one side and developed a small dent on top, I assumed the worst—rot, disease, something serious. But what I discovered was far more simple and unexpectedly insightful. This little plant was showing me the signs of sun stress, new growth, and natural aging, teaching me how much cacti communicate if you know how to read them. This is the lesson my cactus taught me about paying attention, adjusting its environment, and trusting the process.