I need help with my cacti!?

Question

I have two little cacti (one called tequilla one called burrito) poor tequilla has got white all over him and i think it might be a mould! Does anyone know anything about this and how to fix it! (you can't have burrito without tequilla)

PS i never water them - so i don't think its that

New development - today it is starting to wither :-(

Answer 1

It sounds like the cactus is infested with a parasite. It will wither and die soon unless you spray it to kill these aphids.

Answer 2

I love it that you named them! Poor little Tequilla. He needs to go on the wagon and dry out for a while -- a couple of weeks or more. Cacti are used to getting very little water. Good luck.

Answer 3

problem - Cottony white masses develop on the areoles of opuntia. When squished they exude a red a red blood colored juice. This is a very common pest on opuntias and is very easy to identify from its red colored exudates . They will scar and damage plant if gone unchecked. Red exudate has been used by artists as unique pigment.

Solution - Commercial sprays work but natural controls work just as well. Here's what to do. Cut off a few of the most infected pads to open up your plant for hosing. This is usually not a problem as opuntias generally make many pads. Then use a forceful spray from a garden hose to spray off the rest. Repeat hosing every two weeks until under control. Then just spray as needed. Opuntias are predisposed to this kind of problem. Recovery is very good

Dont know if this is your problem but if not this web site should help

Answer 4

to much water and not enough sun, they are sun backed not water fats. little water and sandy soil is best not potting soil.