Sue Ann
Well-Known Member
Cochineal Bugs? Never saw them . None of mine have bugs. Can they get them in S.C.? AghMy formula is similar to what's already been stated:
- Get some mature spineless pads. By mature I mean pads that grew at least one year ago. I have better results using mature pads compared to fresh tender pads from this year.
- Leave them outside in the shade somewhere so the cut end can scar over and dry out for a week or two.
- Stick the pad into some dry cactus type soil, or just the native dirt. I put about 1/2 to 1/3 of the pad into the dirt, cut end first.
- I make a large basin around the base of each planted pad.
- Don't water it for about one month.
- After one month, I trickle water and fill the basin. In hot summers with 100+ degree heat and single digit humidity, I fill that basin two or three times a week. With temps in the 80s and sunny every day, I fill it once a week. In winter, when we get our rains, I don't water them at all.
- Be prepared to spray the cochineal bugs off with a water stream from a hose. Do this weekly and they will never gain a foot hold. Be complacent about this and they will overrun your cacti.
- In some areas, it is necessary to make a large round chicken wire barrier around freshly planted pads to keep the rabbits and other critters off of them.