hello,
one of my ferocactus herrerae has little drops of thick, mostly-transparent pus forming around some of its areoles. can anybody advise me of what might be wrong with it and how i can remedy it? i've been watering it quite generously every two weeks across the summer (as I read they are big drinkers). worried i might have over-watered and it's starting to rot?
Pus on areoles of ferocactus herrerae
Re: Pus on areoles of ferocactus herrerae
Taste it. If it is sweet then it is just honeydew which the plant naturally exudes to attract more insects.
--ian
Re: Pus on areoles of ferocactus herrerae
Could it be something like guttation? Although they're not cacti, my pothos plants do that.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guttation" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guttation" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Pus on areoles of ferocactus herrerae
A lot of Ferocactus species produce this liquid. It is natural and completely harmless to the plant - but it is a bit unsightly. You can remove it with a cotton bud dipped in water.
Cactus enthusiast on and off since boyhood. I have a modest collection of cacti & succulents.