87_botanist Posted November 7, 2017 Hi crew, New to cactus growing, can someone please point me in the right direction to fix these white spots and i found a little big which looks like it was sucking/eating. My first though would be to use white oil. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anodyne Posted November 7, 2017 Nooooo! White oil will strip the cuticle off the poor cactus, leaving it open to rot, sunburn, and other unpleasantness. Mildly soapy water on a soft brush (eg. old toothbrush) will remove the scale without hurting the plant. Also IME scale tend to target plants which are a bit sickly, &/or in damp sites without good air flow. So if it's possible to move them to a sunnier, airier spot after brushing them clean, maybe try that as well? , 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anodyne Posted November 7, 2017 I can't copy the pic from my phone for some reason, but here is a link to show you what happens when you put white oil on cactus ... learn from my mistakes! white oil burns Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
87_botanist Posted November 7, 2017 Ok cheers for the heads up on the white oil, but as for position they are in full sun sitting on a rock wall in the middle of the garden with well drained soil and they certainly get good airflow I think Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Strontium Dawg Posted November 7, 2017 I don't think you have anything to worry about there. I wouldn't be treating them with anything. Trichos are hardy buggers, sometimes too much parental concern is worse than letting them be. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
El Presidente Hillbillios Posted November 7, 2017 yeah, nothing worth worrying over there i reckon Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
87_botanist Posted November 7, 2017 I knew I could rely on you legends, cheers 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Inyan Posted November 8, 2017 Sure fire method to get rid of them that I've tried. First, find a nice ice pick. Second, douse your cacti with gasoline. Third step... light gasoline. If any of those critters try to get away stab them with the ice pick. If in doubt, stab them regardless. Your pest problem should cease and desist immediately, but if you should notice any more critters rinse and repeat. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites