---
title: "Heeeelp! Anyone knows what is happening to my cactus🥲"
description: "Heeeelp! Anyone knows what is happening to my cactus🥲"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/xSR1n9ATv9A2zYVslvB9sL"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Lana"
published: "2025-06-28T16:26:12.265652Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/8-LpUVspM9NplePoPSsRAOpXizZB8CBvt0uNt7iq3hA/zjALsrToT0WXhA9tYjjNjQ.webp?size=large"
---

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

# Heeeelp! Anyone knows what is happening to my cactus🥲

_Posted by Lana on 2025-06-28_

Heeeelp! Anyone knows what is happening to my cactus🥲

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/8-LpUVspM9NplePoPSsRAOpXizZB8CBvt0uNt7iq3hA/zjALsrToT0WXhA9tYjjNjQ.webp?size=large)

## 9 comments

### Amy commented on 2025-06-28

I just had to clean my prickly pear because I noticed small clear dot sap looking things. ChatGPT said it’s mealy bugs and can lead to a mold. So maybe some form of infestation. I used alcohol pads on the joints and spines then watered with a mosquito insecticide someone suggested on here. Buying neem oil too. So you probably need to clean and prevent

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ahCTRv8h6e5pa1M_fMqIQJS4xBzv5FFRs_TH1XgqF0c/-xqLZRGkSCyRfc-R9ceCtg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ahCTRv8h6e5pa1M_fMqIQJS4xBzv5FFRs_TH1XgqF0c/z-b7-mylT5Sv3DwLXRqgGw.webp?size=large)

#### Lana replied on 2025-06-28

Thank you!

### Dave\_opuntiaface commented on 2025-06-28

This discoloration has a name.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/gFKgBIDtQUSoNHyzAXA4pLM-wYI4yLGXFPAMGDtMt3o/6sfE61BpTfWwdexYozna5w.webp?size=large)

#### Lana replied on 2025-06-28

Thank you!!

#### Dave\_opuntiaface replied on 2025-06-28

I am no expert on it, though. I try to scrub it off with a toothbrush if I see it.

### Dave\_opuntiaface commented on 2025-06-28

Is it limited to that top pad? It sucks, but you could just remove that one. But you could try out whatever remedy you settle on without worrying about the whole plant. Sorry to be wordy, but I have spent a few years trying to maintain plants with pests.

#### Lana replied on 2025-07-03

Yes and there is a new one growing on him🥲  
Ok I’ll see which one’s infected . Thank you!!!

### Amy commented on 2025-06-29

To add with mine, it originally got knocked over by our strong AZ winds, broke, scarred and had a different fungus from the trauma. It grew new pads which are the ones I propagated and have now. They are hardy. I’d clean the healthy pads, prop the infected pad and grow a new one. Good luck with whatever you do

#### Lana replied on 2025-07-03

Thank you!

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