Can I save a pad that has turned yellow?

If the yellowing is caused by rot, the pad is likely too far gone. It is better to remove it to prevent the rot from spreading to the rest of the plant.

How often should I water to prevent yellowing?

Water every 14 to 30 days depending on the season. Always check that the soil is completely dry before you water again.

Beavertail cactus: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the base of the pads to see if they are soft or firm.
Inspect the crevices for small white cottony insects.
Check if the soil is currently wet.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The pads turn yellow or translucent and feel soft to the touch. The soil stays damp for more than a few days after watering.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the roots are rotting, remove the plant from the pot, trim away black mushy roots, and repot in fresh, fast draining cactus mix.
Mealybugs
Possible
How to tell: You see small white cottony patches in the crevices of the pads. The plant may look yellow or sickly as these pests suck the sap.
What to do: Dab the white spots with a cotton swab dipped in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. Repeat this every week until you no longer see any signs of the insects.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your beavertail cactus

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the yellowing is spreading rapidly across multiple pads, the plant is in danger. It is normal for the very oldest, bottom pads to shrivel and yellow slightly as the plant ages.

Stopping it coming back

Always use a pot with drainage holes and wait until the soil is bone dry before adding more water.

Beavertail cactus: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your beavertail cactus and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a pad that has turned yellow?: If the yellowing is caused by rot, the pad is likely too far gone. It is better to remove it to prevent the rot from spreading to the rest of the plant.
How often should I water to prevent yellowing?: Water every 14 to 30 days depending on the season. Always check that the soil is completely dry before you water again.

Guides to these causes

Mealybugs

Why are my Beavertail cactus pads turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your beavertail cactus?