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What's wrong with my cactus?
plambs
Posts: 1
So within the past day or so rust colored spots have appeared all over the top of my barrel cactus, as seen in the first picture. The ugly scar seen in the second picture has been there since I got it. There are no signs of pests. I water about once every week or so which I know is a little excessive but the soil dries out so quickly! Anyhow if anyone out there can help me solve this dilemma I'd really appreciate it! Thanks so much! 
0
Posts
Several factors could be involved here ; low-light levels , overwatering and excessive humidity may be to blame .
Barrel cactus usually refers to Echinocactus or Ferocactus species ; your plant looks like a member of the vast Echinopsis group ; probably sub-group Trichocereus .
I think you should water your cacti much less ... once a month would be sufficient in the summer and hardly ever in the winter ... I know the soil dries out quickly but it's supposed to
And as has been said, they need the highest light levels you can give them ... they need to be on windowsills, not desks.
Last edited: 12 October 2017 09:10:46
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I virtually never water mine
They sit on windowsills. They get an occasional water in summer - if I remember, but two are in a bathroom so the steam is probably enough. Had them for many, many years.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...