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.
Thereof, why is my cactus growing tall and thin?
Cacti that receive inadequate sunlight tend to become etiolated and grow long and thin. This is their way of expressing that they need more sunlight, so they are reaching out for it. … Also, make sure that your cactus is receiving more water in the summers and less water in the winter months during its dormant period.
Beside this, what are the white fuzzy spots on my cactus?
White Fuzz Infestations
If you notice white, fuzzy spots on your cactus plants, the plant is likely infested with mealybugs. Mealybugs are soft, flightless insects that target plants like cacti. These tiny, slow-moving pests display gray to pink bodies measuring approximately 1/20 to 1/5 inch in length.
What is wrong with my cactus plant?
As with any plant, cacti can become diseased or damaged. A common problem is soft spots in the flesh of the plant. These may be discolored or corky around the spot and the center is mushy and wet. The reasons for such spots may be disease or simply mechanical injury to the pads and stems of the cacti.
How do I fix my leggy cactus?
For a big job like cutting back a columnar specimen, use a saw and remove the main trunk at the point at which you would like to see branching or at the height you require the plant. Try to remove the stem at a growth point. Plants like agave will need the old leaves removed to preserve the appearance.
What do you do with a leggy cactus?
How To Cut a Leggy Succulent Plant
- Cut the plant leaving about an inch or so of stem on the bottom of the plant.
- Place the stem cuttings in a dry area away from direct sunlight to dry for a day or two, more if your area is humid. …
- Once the cut has healed, stick the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix.
What are cactus pups?
Pups are smaller versions of the parent plant that tend to grow at the base. The process involves removing the offsets from the parent, rooting them in appropriate potting mix and watering appropriately. Propagating cacti pups not only produces new plants but also plays a critical role in decongesting crowded pots.
