Expert: Greg Simpson - 9/2/2006

Question
Good day to you. I aquired a cactus from lanzarote last year. It is a large round catus, pleated with startburst spikes and a dimple in the top. It was fine until about 6 months ago when it started developing a furry growth. The furry growth has now enveloped 75% of the cactus. I do not think this is normal. Can you please advise as to what to do. I feel that it will eventually kill the lovely thing.

Regards

Gary

Answer
Dear Gary,

I will really need to see a picture of that to give you an accurate diagnosis. However, if it looks like either of the following, it is normal:

http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Cactaceae/Melocactus_azureus.html

http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Cactaceae/Vatricania_guntheri.html

If not, send a picture to gregandkat@msn.com

Sincerely,

Greg