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Posted 6d ago by @Ksmanning

Hello Everybody. I’m new here. I’m also new to cacti. Can...

Hello Everybody. I’m new here. I’m also new to cacti. Can anyone help me by explaining what’s going on in the middle of my mountain ball (Pediocactus simpsonii) cactus? I can’t figure out what this white part in the middle is about. Is it new growth? Is it drying out? A quick internet search isn’t really helping much. I thought I might try my luck here. And please ignore the temporary housing in the Solo cup. I’ve got a wonderful cactus pot coming from Etsy anyday now. Thank you in advance!
Colorado
Colorado
Simpson Hedgehog Cactus
5” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 day ago
@Succulent_Soul
GreenThumb
2209 XP
6d ago
@Succulent_Soul
There’s many things it could be. Does it fly away when you blow on it? It could be fungus or mold. Another possibility is new growth. I’m not super familiar with cacti either but those would be my first thoughts. I wouldn’t stress about it unless the plant starts reacting to it. Hope this helped a little bit! 😊
@Ksmanning
Katherine
153 XP
6d ago
@Ksmanning
No, it doesn’t fly away as a mold or a fungus would do so I guess that’s good news. thank you for the response 🙂
@SillyPlantGirl
Catherine
18394 XP
6d ago
@SillyPlantGirl
Hi Katherine! That is called “Botanical Wool”. It’s a natural growth that does many things, like protects new growth at the apex- like a sun shield . It also helps with water loss. And when your cactus matures- those little wooly areas are where flowers developed 🪴💕 I hope this helps.
@C1917
Cannon
80 XP
6d ago
@C1917
Once I had a cacti and it just did that naturally I think that’s probably what it is. and I love cactus everyone’s friendly including me. 😉
@Ms.Persnickety
Monika
117644 XP
6d ago
@Ms.Persnickety
@Ksmanning First let me welcome you to the Greg community! I want to be positive and say Flower Bud: Pediocactus simpsonii often produce woolly or hairy fuzz around their center growing tips and areoles just before pushing out pink, white, or yellow flowers. Natural Anatomy: The center of the plant features areoles (the specialized bumps where spines and blooms emerge), which naturally contain dense wool or hair to protect new growth. If you want to check to see that it’s really not a bug you can do the Alcohol Test: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently dab the fluffy spot. If the fuzz dissolves, comes away on the swab, or reveals bugs, it is mealybugs. If it is firmly attached plant tissue or a developing bud, it will not wipe away easily. Pest Action: If it is mealybugs, isolate the cactus immediately and dab all visible fuzz with rubbing alcohol. You can follow up with an insecticidal soap or a systemic pesticide designed for cacti if the infestation spreads.
@Ksmanning
Katherine
153 XP
6d ago
@Ksmanning
@SillyPlantGirl oh wow!! I had no idea. Thank you so much! Very helpful.
@Ksmanning
Katherine
153 XP
6d ago
@Ksmanning
@Ms.Persnickety wonderful! Thank you so much for such great information 😊 that’s super helpful
@Ksmanning
Katherine
153 XP
6d ago
@Ksmanning
Thank you so much for all the help guys! I look forward to showing off Colorado’s new homestead when it arrives 😉 yall have very much put my mind at ease