Orange spots on devil's tongue--is it a goner?

Trouble shoot problems you are having with your cactus.
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wildblue
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Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2014 6:00 pm

Orange spots on devil's tongue--is it a goner?

Post by wildblue »

devilstongue2
devilstongue2
devilsTongueSpots2.jpg (52.77 KiB) Viewed 904 times
I've reviewed all the information in the Pests and Diseases section and can't really tell what the problem is with this guy. My best guess is fungus, but it's been going on for over a year. Meanwhile, the plant keeps growing, although I've only had one actual flower out of the many buds that form. Is there hope for this one?
devilstongue
devilstongue
devilsTongueSpots.jpg (44.02 KiB) Viewed 904 times
I appreciate any help you can offer.
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greenknight
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Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2013 4:18 am
Location: SW Washington State zone 8b

Re: Orange spots on devil's tongue--is it a goner?

Post by greenknight »

If these spots are not soft and not spreading, probably nothing to worry about. Ferocactus plants have a tendency to develop orange spots. Cold, damp conditions are said to lead to them, anything that scars the skin can produce an orange spot.

I've got one with bigger spots than these. They've been there for years, the cactus is perfectly healthy and growing well.
Spence :mrgreen:
wildblue
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2014 6:00 pm

Re: Orange spots on devil's tongue--is it a goner?

Post by wildblue »

Thanks, greenknight! That's actually good news, and makes sense to me. I scraped off some of the orange, and it seems very superficial, like a thin crust. It's very dry where I live, but this guy has made it through some 20 degree F nights, so cold might be the culprit.
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