Ok thanks Tina I'll give it some alcohol as well, it might like it & forget it's worries

Hello Steve

Hi Tina, thanks for your advice & you'd be amazed at how much peaty soil I'd removed but didn't want to damage to many roots; as you said they're sensitive.
I used a cacti & succulent mix and added another 50% grit, then finished it off with a grit collar.

Chris L, that's fair enough! I know a fair amount for general care etc... I know there are grand wizards on here though

el48tel/Chris L, I thought you guys were the knowledgeable growers?

Yes the peaty compost came with purchase and was piled high enough around the plant as to cover the black area! So whether it was to hide or cause the issue is up for debate & without going too far off topic I have learnt the hard way that it is now best to re-pot all new purchases as some of th...

I should add a before & after pictures (evidence) of some re-potting

Jim I suddenly feel happier with my set up

Enjoying a good re-potting & tidy week but now it's crunch time for these guys! Firstly is this surgery time? (not soft when touched) Secondly the Cereus will be straight forward if so, but not so sure about operating on the Melocactus? Advice please. I'm to blame if the ID's are off >:D<:gl:

Thank you all for your views.
In a nut shell this hobby just got more expensive.