When these white sticky spots first start to appear it is best to spray them off the cactus pads with a power nozzle attached at the end of your hose. If the infestation begins to get out of control, I suggest treating the areas by scrubbing them with insecticidal soap or unscented dish soap.

How do you treat prickly pear fungus?

There is no recommended treatment for Phyllosticta fungus, but it can spread to other ornamental plants and removal of infected pads and plant material is suggested to prevent the disease from reaching other species. In the cactus family, prickly pears are most affected by Phyllosticta concava.

How do I get rid of the white stuff on my cactus?

Mix rubbing alcohol with water in a ratio of 1:3 and pour it into a garden spray bottle. Spray all the cacti that are infested with white fuzz to kill the pests. Alternatively, introduce ladybugs on your cacti to prey on the mealybugs and get rid of the white fuzz on your cacti plants.

How do you get rid of fungus on cactus?

Use a sterile knife to take the cutting and dust it with sulfur to kill any possible adhering spores. Controlling cultural conditions with plenty of heat, under stem watering, sterile potting medium, and ventilation will halt many fungal outbreaks. Another way to save a plant is to cut out the infected tissue.

What is the white stuff growing on my prickly pear cactus?

Cochineal is a scale insect and is found on prickly pear cactus, Opuntia engelmanii. As a rasping, sucking insect, it feeds on the tasty juices of the cactus. It produces a cottony white covering to protect itself from predators.

How do you make homemade fungicide spray?

Mixing baking soda with water, about 4 teaspoons or 1 heaping tablespoon (20 mL) to 1 gallon (4 L.) of water (Note: many resources recommend using potassium bicarbonate as a substitute for baking soda.). Dishwashing soap, without degreaser or bleach, is a popular ingredient for homemade plant fungicide.

Why has my cactus turned white?

Cactus Has Been Watered Too Much or Not Enough If the cactus has been watered too much or not enough, the plant can turn white. This is because cacti require less water than most plants. Cactus soil should be allowed to dry out between each watering, but some cactus types can survive with little or no water at all.

How do you treat powdery mildew on cactus?

Sulfur. Sulfur is a classic fungicide that is effective for controlling powdery mildew, but the catch is that it must be applied preventively, in advance of symptoms. You can spray it on plants that you know to be susceptible, to prevent infection.

What is the best fungicide for cactus?

Copper, sulfur and lime are organically approved fungicides for the growing and dormant seasons. Mix 6 1/2 teaspoons of copper sulfate with 3 tablespoons of hydrated lime and 2 pints of water.

Can you use neem oil on cactus?

Neem oil basically messes up bugs’ hormones so that they no longer feel the urge to mate. It’s like anti-Viagra for pests! These work okay, but some bugs aren’t affected by them – some of those bugs are common to succulents and cacti.