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 get rid of white fungus on prickly pear cactus?

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 I get rid of white spots 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 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.

What are the little white things on my cactus?

The white stuff on your cactus is most likely a mealybug (cochineal insect) infestation. These little white bugs infest cacti plants to feed on the sap in their leaves. While they pose no risk to homes, they can decimate succulents causing stunted growth, deformed stems and yellowing leaves.

What does cactus fungus look like?

They may be round, irregular, raised, flat, and any other shape. Many are discolored but, again, the tones can range from yellow to brown and all the way to black. Some are corky, while others are weepy. These may ooze brown, rusty, or black fluid, evidence of severe infection.

Why is my cactus getting spots?

Fungal Lesions A variety of fungi cause stem spots on barrel cacti. These pathogens are often encouraged by overwatering, high humidity levels or low lighting conditions. Although fungal lesions cause little serious damage, the cosmetic damage is irreversible.

Why is my cactus spotty?

Spots and discoloration on your cactus houseplant may be from improper watering. Watering from the bottom is preferred as splashing water on the cactus may cause unsightly markings. It is essential that you avoid over-watering so do not give water if the soil is still moist.

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.

What does a diseased cactus look like?

Symptoms to watch for include small sunken spots, discolored scabs, round soft areas surrounded by fruiting bodies, and black or other colored dots on the surface of the cacti skin. You may even notice some oozing of your cactus plants.

How do I get rid of mealy bugs on my cactus?

Just a few mealybugs can be done away with by wiping them off with a damp cloth and/or saturating them with rubbing alcohol. You can either spray it on or touch the little offenders with a cotton swab soaked in Alcohol. If your infested cactus is part of a collection, examine all of your plants for mealybugs.

How do I get rid of mealybugs?

MEALYBUGS TREATMENT

1. Dip cotton balls and swabs in alcohol and remove all visible mealybugs.
2. Mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with few drops of Dawn dish soap and 1 quart (32oz) of water.
3. Spray the whole plant, not only where mealybugs are visible.
4. Repeat the treatment once or twice a week until the issue is gone.