Milo Posted April 7, 2016 I'd rather not resort to extensive surgery/grafting unless deemed absolutely necessary. The two little orange spots aren't soft as far as I can feel, but they don't seem right to me. Maybe I'm concerned over something I shouldn't be, but I'm not sure. Any help is appreciated. Thank you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evil Genius Posted April 7, 2016 Yes, could be fungal or viral. Can you rule out sun burn? But it´s actually pretty typical for fungal infections to start down there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Milo Posted April 7, 2016 It was a nice gradual move into full sun, and all my other Astrophytum are doing well in terms of keeping from becoming sunburned. My heart sank when I saw it. Usually that color orange has led to some unfortunate losses... Should I try removing the affected areas? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zelly Posted April 7, 2016 whats underneath the white rocks? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Milo Posted April 7, 2016 Do you mean soil composition? Or to check for fungal infection? I'm planning on uprooting it to take a look after work today. It's growing in mostly pumice, with some coarse mineral sand, perlite, and a little bit of compost. Very little organic matter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Milo Posted April 8, 2016 The bottom isn't soft at all. There are a total of 3 orange spots on the cactus, all above soil level. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BedOSpines Posted April 8, 2016 I had this problem and also with myriostigma, mine started just like yours. Notably it has not spread to the others. It's still hard and if it is spreading it's very slowly. I'm leaning towards insect puncture. It hasn't had a water for a long time and is in pure mineral soil. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Milo Posted April 8, 2016 Ok. I'll hold off a bit and see if it spreads. Glad to hear there may be a chance for it yet. Thanks all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dajindo Posted April 9, 2016 Hey man, I had something very similair on my Trichs, discolored spots which later turned black later and just calloused over. From my research on the webs it's most likely it was fungal. Hope that helps 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Master B Posted April 9, 2016 Mate keep it dry.... sit wait and watch . But by the others in your collection you already know that... Caveat... Im no expert... but it dosent look infectious to me! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Milo Posted April 9, 2016 I won't be watering it for quite a while. The replies make me more hopeful. Thanks. Hoping it won't spread. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hellonasty Posted April 9, 2016 (edited) Treat it with a sulphur dusting and it will be fine. I just dust it on and then work it into the bad spots with a paint brush. Hope this helps. HN Edited April 9, 2016 by Hellonasty 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites