About Joan Expertise Prickly pear, saguaro, barrel cactus, house cacti... You name it! I will answer all your questions regarding cacti such as winter care, propagation, watering, and indoor care. I will also answer questions on edible cacti (for humans or pets) and identification. In addition, I may answer questions on other succulent plants, such as the agave.
Experience Due to the arid climate here in Nevada, I grew up planting cacti and shrubs to design my landscapes. As years went on, I learned the different ways on taking care of these amazing cacti, especially how to propagate them.
Education/Credentials During the past few years, I have tried out many methods in growing cacti, especially when it comes to propagation. I learned the dangers of over-watering, and have researched that people often make common mistakes. That is why I joined to be part of AllExperts.
I have a red/orange moon cactus that has a long green body and a round
red/orange head sort of part. Recently there has been these small beige seed-
looking things on the side nearest the window screen. They seem to all be the
same size. The window is usually open, and I live in a South Florida climate. Can
you help me to determine what these are and what to do about them?
Answer Hello Carly,
Yikes! These aren't seeds at all. It looks like your cactus has cochineal scale, a parasitic insect. If you squeese one of them, red liquids come out of it. You can get rid of them by adding water and dish soap into a spray bottle and spray it with high pressure. Turn the pot sideways to reduce the amount of dish soap landing on the soil. The white stuff may not come off, but the parasites will sick and die.
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