Good morning! I've been trying to figure out what's going on with one of my cacti. I have no idea what it is as I bought it at Lowe's two years ago and it had no name. It bloomed pretty little orange flowers this spring. Well shortly after I started noticing the marks on it. I don't think the blooming had anything to do with it but who knows. I repotted it thinking it was getting overwatered or something was in the soil. It's not getting better. Do you have any ideas what it may be? Here are a few pics.

I'll wait for the pictures...

Thank you Hetty! For some reason they didn't load the first time. They should be there now.

Is the plant outside or always inside?

Always inside.

I think that may be Scale insects. Are any other plants near it having similar spots?

I thibk you may be right about scale.

Ang & Tee,
I do have a coral cactus right next to it that looks like this:



What do you think? If scale, what can I do to save them? There are several other plants in that corner that have nothing so far. Thank goodness.

Take a look through this:
http://cactiguide.com/cactipes...

That almost looks more like some kind of damage, as if maybe something fell on it? Or even cold damage which can happen if it's too close to a window in the winter, or if air conditioning is blowing on it. If it is scale, you'll be able to see them - but they're well disguised, and look like a corky bit of bark. If you can figure out that it has scale, isolate it right now! The adults are stationary, but the juveniles are called crawlers, because that's what they do, and they like to travel. Make sure you wash your hands after handling them, to avoid transferring them (this goes for any problem, not just scale). I would try and pick them off with a toothpick, and squish them. I would hesitate to use any kind of insecticide on them, especially your Euphorbia.

try dr bronners hemp castile peppermint deluted in spray bottle. or 91 % or better rubbing alcohol with q tip
that is if it is scale

SongofJoy said:Is the plant outside or always inside?

You hit the nail bang on its head and then forgot .
Regards,
Arif.

Both of these plants are always indoors. I haven't been able to find any scale... sneaky little boogers!!

What ratio is recommended for Dr. Bronners?

Under low light conditions cactus give the same look. If they stay long enough they will become hollow and rot. My two cents worth but you can keep dipping in fungicide and insecticide.
Regards,
Arif.

Hello Arif,
Thank you for the help! They are in a south east facing corner window. I would think that's a good window, no? They are on the counter by my kitchen sink. The blinds are always open so they may be getting some cold. I am lost & clueless... Thoughts?

I have a cactus which my wife out of stubbornness has kept in the kitchen, that window is also South Facing. Poor thing looks just like yours, it could also be pollution indoors but, I will have to salvage it from her clutches. Now, how to do that ? Is it not warm enough for them to be slowly shifted out? Flowering season is here and they do need the acidic rain.
Regards,
Arif.

Uh oh... My hubby would salvage it by throwing it in the trash... Not good. The weather here is snowy and cold. Not quite spring yet. What do you recommend I do in the meantime? Indoor pollution? Like what? I live in CO.

Smoke of various kinds from kitchen mostly fat(chokes the pores), aerosols like perfumes, fresheners, bathroom and kitchen cleaners, chlorine, furniture polish, paints, etc. If you care to make a list, we are a very dirty species compared to plants . Just make a plastic tent and put them in there outside. The harshness in the weather should be going anytime soon. If it rains, let it at least wash the plants clean then bring them back in and if it is bright and sunny, let them enjoy.
Regards,
Arif.

Wow!! I didn't think of all that. Great points! Thank you for the advice! ! I'll get going on it! Let's hope they can be saved...