Question

how often should i water cactus that is in the ground?  Some are turning yellow and drooping.  What causes this?

Answer 1

You don't mention where you live or what kind of watering program the cactus is on presently.  

Cacti store water.  In most cases they need no watering.  The yellowing is probably signs of rot from too much water.

Did you plant it in a mix made for cacti?  Is it in the ground or a pot? Is it getting watered where it is planted?

Again, depending on where you are located the cacti should probably be in a pot on a dolly so it can be moved under an overhang near your house to protect it from frost.  If it is in a pot and gets no water it will only need watering in summer months, possibly once a month an amount equal to 1/2 the amount of soil in the container.  If your area of the country gets summer rains that will be enough to water the plant.

Remember, you are trying to duplicate a desert condition, maybe two to three inches of rain per year.

Answer 2

Put the leaves in-between your fingers push your fingertips together the plant sure be firm and not soft. Look at the edges and check the color. If it is turning yellow or brown it needs watering. If its black in color you will need to prune it back cause its dead. While watering allow time to let the water get into the soil but don't let in sit in water. Remember with is type of plant, more is not better when it comes to watering.

Comments

This is a succulent..............