What is this on my new Melocactus??

Trouble shoot problems you are having with your cactus.
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Kmandarino
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Joined: Wed Jul 12, 2023 2:44 pm
Location: Dwight, Il. In farm country. Very windy during the day, always dew overnight.

What is this on my new Melocactus??

Post by Kmandarino »

Hello! This is my first time posting here. So happy to have found this amazing site and its wealth of information!! I've only started collecting about a year and a half ago. I've found my one true love, Melocactus. I picked up a Levitestatus Warasii 8 days ago and have noticed something I haven't seen before. I cant rub or pick it off. Can anyone identify it?
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jerrytheplater
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Re: What is this on my new Melocactus??

Post by jerrytheplater »

I'm wondering about the white elongated objects near the edge of the brown spots in photo 1-2. Do they rub off? I'm thinking of a Scale infestation, but I've only seen photos of Scale, never on my plants.

But, I remember Steve Johnson talking about Water Blisters, or something like that. If so, its harmless.

Hopefully others chime in.
Jerry Smith
Bloomingdale, NJ
45 inches (114 cm) rain equivalent per year, approx. evenly spread per month
2012 USDA Hardiness Zone 6b: -5F to OF (-20C to -18C) min.
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Steve Johnson
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Re: What is this on my new Melocactus??

Post by Steve Johnson »

jerrytheplater wrote: Sat Aug 12, 2023 12:54 pmBut, I remember Steve Johnson talking about Water Blisters, or something like that. If so, its harmless.
The photo is showing what appears to be callused-over water blisters (AKA humidity blisters). The technical term is "plant edema" -- as Jerry said, harmless, but also symptomatic of problems which should be addressed by the grower. Read this article and learn more about it:

https://thesucculenteclectic.com/unders ... ucculents/

Although it discusses plant edema on succulents, what you learn there can be applied to cacti too.
If you just want photos without all the blather, please visit my Flickr gallery.
My location: Los Angeles, CA (Zone 10b)
Kmandarino
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed Jul 12, 2023 2:44 pm
Location: Dwight, Il. In farm country. Very windy during the day, always dew overnight.

Re: What is this on my new Melocactus??

Post by Kmandarino »

Oh boy! That is great news!! Thank you so much! I didn't want to expose my others if it was a pest or disease. I haven't spritzed them with water, it doesn't seem like a good idea being brand new to Melos. I think I've read everything I could find regarding melos 2 and 3 times and if it wasn't for this great source, I wouldn't have a chance with them. THANK YOU.
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Steve Johnson
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Re: What is this on my new Melocactus??

Post by Steve Johnson »

Kmandarino wrote: Sun Aug 13, 2023 6:06 pm Oh boy! That is great news!! Thank you so much! I didn't want to expose my others if it was a pest or disease. I haven't spritzed them with water, it doesn't seem like a good idea being brand new to Melos. I think I've read everything I could find regarding melos 2 and 3 times and if it wasn't for this great source, I wouldn't have a chance with them. THANK YOU.
You're welcome! :)
If you just want photos without all the blather, please visit my Flickr gallery.
My location: Los Angeles, CA (Zone 10b)
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