Why does your Opuntia vulgaris have white cottony spots? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
This is the most common cause of white, cottony masses on Opuntia. These scale insects secrete a waxy, white substance to protect themselves while they suck nutrients from the cactus pads.
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that produce white, powdery secretions. They often congregate in the crevices between the Opuntia pads and near the areoles.
While not a primary cause of white spots, sooty mold grows on the 'honeydew' left behind by scale or mealybugs. This can appear as dark patches, but may be accompanied by white fungal filaments.
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