Does my cactus have a fungus or insect infestation? - Ask Extension
I brought these cacti home from Colorado about a month ago. The one w/the most white was underground. I do not pose a green thumb and do not want ...
Knowledgebase
Does my cactus have a fungus or insect infestation? #370614
Asked October 17, 2016, 11:02 AM EDT
I brought these cacti home from Colorado about a month ago. The one w/the most white was underground. I do not pose a green thumb and do not want to do anything to harm this (it has special meaning to my family). You can see they all three have the same issue in the center, it's just most noticeable on the one. The one it is most notable on was underground when we dug it up.
Is this a fungus? An insect infestation? Something else? And if it is, can you tell me what I can do to remedy the issue?
Also, can you confirm the type of cacti these are?
Is this a fungus? An insect infestation? Something else? And if it is, can you tell me what I can do to remedy the issue?
Also, can you confirm the type of cacti these are?
Dallas County Iowa
Expert Response
This might be a scale infestation. You can read more here: http://www.reviewjournal.com/life/home-and-garden/white-spots-cactus-indicate-scale-infestation and http://cactiguide.com/cactipests/#scale.
Try a stream of water or a soft toothbrush to remove the insects, then apply a labeled product (systemic insecticide) to prevent further infestation. Since you moved them plants from another state, I highly recommend doing all of this indoors and rinsing the plants off in your sink so they can't get outside and potentially cause a problem in your state.
Try a stream of water or a soft toothbrush to remove the insects, then apply a labeled product (systemic insecticide) to prevent further infestation. Since you moved them plants from another state, I highly recommend doing all of this indoors and rinsing the plants off in your sink so they can't get outside and potentially cause a problem in your state.
