The Circle of Spike

Spike Jr., my beloved cactus of some twelve years, caught a mystery fungus recently and died after rotting from the inside out. So last night I did what every cacti lover would do-had a few drinks and carved him up to see what cactus death looked like!

Spike Jr. (on the right) during happier, healthier times.

Sorry, buddy, time to scoop out your cactus brains.

Mmm, rotten cactus brains.

A cross section of cactus, from the still-healthy part that hadn't rotted yet.

I replanted some of Spike Jr's cactus buds (spores? escape pods?).

Spike Jr. bloomed once in the twelve years he stood vigilant watch in my living room. All hail Spike Jr!