---
title: "someone tell me these rings aren't a viral infection 😭 i love my…"
description: "someone tell me these rings aren't a viral infection 😭 i love my prickly pear, i really don't want to have to let it go.."
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/HuStuECOvhWoXVFR1gyFbD"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "plantgeek"
published: "2026-03-29T21:43:59.955471Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/fg8tCwCAsnlhbz1owurGSLidrTKbwTdu-tvCCDLBR-4/ZGtCbzNrTVOxwVF8sAOemg.webp?size=large"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [The Cactus \& Succulent Circle](https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w.md)

# someone tell me these rings aren't a viral infection 😭 i love my…

_Posted by plantgeek on 2026-03-29_

someone tell me these rings aren't a viral infection 😭 i love my prickly pear, i really don't want to have to let it go..

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/fg8tCwCAsnlhbz1owurGSLidrTKbwTdu-tvCCDLBR-4/ZGtCbzNrTVOxwVF8sAOemg.webp?size=large)

## 8 comments

### SuccySuccy commented on 2026-03-29

That… doesn’t look healthy or happy.

#### plantgeek replied on 2026-03-30

so... you don't know what it is either? 😭 i've looked EVERYWHERE i have no idea what this could be 😭

### Natalie commented on 2026-03-30

Looks like maybe edema? What’s your watering schedule been like lately? Or is there more humidity lately? It’s hard to tell from this photo, but the soil looks moist. May be shadow from the other pad, though.

If it ends up being just a watering issue, hopefully it’s been caught early enough to rebound. The plant still looks healthy otherwise. It’s not mushy, blackened, etc.

The other possibility (that you don’t want) is cactus bugs. I can’t remember their technical name, but they drink the sap. Have you seen bugs on the plant? There should be sprays or soaps to help get rid of them.

#### plantgeek replied on 2026-03-31

haven't seen any bugs on it recently, but they did have cochineal when they were given to me. I had three paddles gifted to me by a friend about a month ago because the mother plant was far gone, i haven't watered yet, as i'm waiting for roots. the paddles are still firm and plump, so i'm pretty sure there's still hope.

#### plantgeek replied on 2026-03-31

just looked up a few pictures, it looks \*exactly\* like overwatering edema. thank you so much LOLOL

#### Natalie replied on 2026-03-31

Interesting… it sounds like you might have a fighting chance to get these guys to a recovered and healthy place! Fingers crossed 🤞🏻

#### Natalie replied on 2026-03-31

I hope it’s that simple!! Gotta keep us posted 😊

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