Pest
Cactus Cochineal
Also known as Dactylopius opuntiae, cochineal scale
Small scale insects that cover prickly pear and other cacti in white, cottony wax and slowly weaken the plant.
Symptoms
- White, cottony or waxy tufts on the pads
- A red-purple liquid when the tufts are crushed
- Yellowing, shrivelling or weakened pads
What causes it
Cochineal insects spread on wind, animals and new plants, and multiply quickly in warm, dry conditions.
What you can do
- Keep the cactus away from other plants until it is clear.
- Wash the insects off with a strong jet of water, or wipe them off with a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol (test a small area first).
- Repeat every week until no new tufts appear.
- Cut off and bin heavily infested pads; insecticidal soap can help on large plants.
Not sure it's cochineal?
Photograph one affected leaf and Plantulus will suggest the most likely problem, with a confidence score. It's free and needs no sign-up.
Check a leaf photoGeneral guidance only, not a diagnosis. Check product labels and local rules before using any treatment, and ask a horticultural specialist if a valuable plant is struggling. See the disclaimer.