As the days get shorter and the periods of strong sunshine lessening , the microclimate you have at nursing home will also interchange . This fault might mean watering yourcommunity of cactimuch less and devote close attention to switch in humidness that can bear on your desert - dwelling plants . alas , these variable can sometimes stimulate brownish spots on your cacti , which ask a little detective work to name .

The rationality for brown spots on your cactus can vary greatly , depending on the indoor environment , access to light , and your charge routine . However , not all brown spots on your cactus are unsound news . It ’s authoritative to notice that dark-brown smirch can indicate " corking , " which is a natural part of the cactus aging cognitive process and is n’t cause for alarm . Here are four of the most plebeian reasons why your cactus might have dark-brown daub .

1. Root Rot

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If you notice dark-brown spots at the bottom of your cactus that are slowly beginning to spread , root rotis probably the issue . Root hogwash can occur for several cause , including overwatering , soil that is n’t well - drain enough , and deficient lighting . As a general formula of pollex , stick your index fingerbreadth into the soil about 2 inches deep – if it ’s teetotal , your works needs a potable . On the other paw , if the filth is soggy , your plant might need more sunlight .

As cite above , corking sometimes award as brown position at the bottom of the plant . Corking is a natural part of the aging cognitive operation for your cactus and requires no discourse . It ’s a alteration in the plant ’s cuticle ( out layer ) that looks like brown spots paired with the thickening of tissue .

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While it wait similar , the difference between corking and root bunk is in the texture . Corking looks like firm , bark - like tissue , while root bunk is indulgent and mushy to the skin senses .

Pro Tip : A funky soil smell is also an indication of radical putrefaction .

2. Cold or Sun Damage

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If you notice orange and brownish , rust - comparable spot on your cactus , it could be because of frigid legal injury or humidity floor that are too high for comfort . During the non - fighting increase time period , your cactus should be in a shiny way with temperature of 40 to 45 level Fahrenheit . purport to keep humidity floor at 30 percent or less .

In the same vein , too much sun can also factor into brown spot appearing on your cactus . While it ’s hard to believe that your sun - worshiping flora could actually get too much lightness , it is possible that subjecting your cacti to high-pitched - chroma sunlight can be the causa of chocolate-brown or black bruises .

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3. Pests

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If you feel that your cactus are root in well - drain soil , are n’t being overwatered , and are getting the good amount of sunlight , then the chocolate-brown spot might be due to gadfly . The comportment of spider mites or graduated table could make dark-brown spot on your cacti .

Specifically forspider mites , the first augury of these tiny invaders is webbing and small brown spots , specially on newer growth . There aremany waysto get rid of wanderer mites , let in using insecticidal soap spray on plants . Ensure to quarantine your cactus during discourse until you ’re sure the mite are gone .

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As for scale , they face like tiny chocolate-brown spots on the plant . Upon a closer looking , scale has brown , noodle - shaped carapace that hang to the works but can be easily scrape or wipe off . An good way to obviate scale is to habituate cotton swabs and scratch alcohol to do by the affected areas . Quarantine and repeat treatment until the problem is lick , which might require a piece of forbearance .

4. Fungi

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Besides dirt ball , other opportunistic organisms to vex about are kingdom Fungi , which usually affect cacti live on in wet soil and extremely humid environments .

For example , the fungus   Phyllostica , which depend like small spots of brown discolouration , usually affects the bristled pear cacti ( Opuntia   species ) . If left unchecked , fungal infections can spread to other region of the cactus and eventually to other plants in the vicinity . If any healthy pads on your cactus are n’t affect yet , cut them off , permit the end dry exclusively to prevent putrefaction , and then replant in a goodly cactus soil mix .

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Sadly , there is no cure for the   Phyllostica   fungus ; if the fungus spreads to the intact plant life , the best affair to do is dispose of your infected cactus .

Take Prickly Precautions

There are a fistful of reasons why your cactus might have browned patch . They can indicate too much or too little light , cold terms , overwatering , and the mien of pests and fungus . So often , it ’s a process of elimination and careful reflection to see what might be the perpetrator .

Cactus disease dry root rot and plant rust caused by fungi, severe damage fungi infected Melocactus cactus isolated on white background showing serious damage at skin and root

cacti indoors

Close up of Gymnocalycium baldianum cactus having problem with scale insect and mealy bugs attached and sucking sap from this plant.

A Cactus fungus pest Dactylopius coccus, coats the face of a cactus.