Expert: Greg Simpson - 8/11/2006

Question
I have a small cactus that has dry brown sores on several parts of its skin. I took it from underneath a much larger version and it seems to have taken quite a bit of abuse. Anyway, I was wondering if these sores will go away eventually, and if there is anything I can do for it to help.  

Answer
Dear Kate,

If the sores are caused from the spines of the other plant or from a pest called "scale insect", then they won't go away. Once a cactus has been scared, it will stay that way. Sorry for the bad news.

Check out this website just in case your plant has scale insects.

http://www.cactus-mall.com/pests.html

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg