Please help me save my Dad's 28 Year old Saguaro Cactus (time is of the essence!)
My dad planted this cactus from seed when I was a kid. He's had it for over 25 years and it's always been in decent/good health. He went through divorce last year and moved, and he brought this with him. It's been on his desk, minimal sun light. I went over last night and was in shock to see it like this. I had just seen it one week prior and it looked great (see the last photo for it one week ago).
I asked him what happened and he has no clue, he said it essentially happened overnight. I thought it looked overwatered but he said it turned like this instantly from what he says is "massive neglect" on his part, so he watered it after he noticed it turning brown/black, thinking it would revive cactus. The sandy soil feels very compact.
I'm devastated. This cactus has been in my life for years, always in the background of family pictures. It feels like an extended family member. I wish my dad had contacted me sooner, but I said I would take it (because he has no hope/no resources to try to help it right now).
Please cactus experts, is there anything I can do to save this cactus? Any idea why it turned this way in less than a week of time? I fear it may be too far gone, but I will literally go out anytime of day to get any supplies needed to save it.
Thank you and happy holidays! Also, please let me know if I should cross-post this anywhere else.
Tried to get as many photos in daylight and night time as possible, last photo is one week ago. It happened so quickly and dad swears he didn't change/do anything to it until it already turned.
