---
title: "My prickly pear cactus has started developing these white patches. It…"
description: "My prickly pear cactus has started developing these white patches. It doesn’t look like mold - any ideas what’s going on?"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/SLIYB-WcR1uItf1-JAG_uw"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Karoline"
published: "2024-06-26T22:22:03.142545Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/1uy3gwOKnhT7oB9IOdFee-tH4VTIm2xqHR4wruy8YSE/zRj1tZzUTJub_uv9CfFDEw.webp?size=large"
---

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# My prickly pear cactus has started developing these white patches. It…

_Posted by Karoline on 2024-06-26_

My prickly pear cactus has started developing these white patches. It doesn’t look like mold - any ideas what’s going on?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/1uy3gwOKnhT7oB9IOdFee-tH4VTIm2xqHR4wruy8YSE/zRj1tZzUTJub_uv9CfFDEw.webp?size=large)

## 2 comments

### Tyler commented on 2024-07-06

I’ve noticed the same thing on my opuntia when they’re actively growing. The areoles replace the glochids (apparently they’re deciduous… 🤷🏼‍♂️) and usually a new nopal will start to form. I see it as bud activation.

### Anonymous commented on 2026-01-14

Mine has that to

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