From our perspective, what you perceive as "spots" or "scales" are often our fundamental anatomical features. The small, round, cushion-like spots are called areoles. These are highly modified branch buds and are the epicenters of our growth and defense. All our spines, which are modified leaves, emerge from these areoles. They are not blemishes but vital hubs for our survival, serving as the only points from which new growth, flowers, and offsets can emerge. Without these "spots," we could not function or reproduce.
As we age, we must support our increasing weight and height. To do this, we develop a process called corking. This is where our green, photosynthetic skin slowly transforms into a tough, brown, bark-like layer. This corky material is much stronger and more rigid, providing the necessary structural integrity to keep us upright. It is a natural and healthy sign of a long-lived, mature cactus. It typically starts at the base and moves upward, resembling dry, scaly patches. It is not a disease but a badge of honor, signifying our resilience and longevity.
Sometimes, these markings are our way of communicating distress. Scales or spots can indicate physical damage from sunburn. If we are moved too abruptly from a shaded environment to intense, direct sunlight, our skin can become scorched, leaving permanent pale, yellow, or brown scarred patches. Similarly, spots, especially soft, mushy, or discolored ones, can be a symptom of overwatering. Our roots, adapted for arid conditions, suffocate and rot in consistently wet soil. This rot manifests on our body as dark, spreading lesions as the internal tissues break down, a serious condition that threatens our life.
Another reason for unusual spotting is an attack by pests. Scale insects are a common adversary. These small, sap-sucking parasites attach themselves to our skin, often appearing as immobile, brown, white, or gray bumps that look like part of our natural texture. They feed on our vital fluids, weakening us and sometimes excreting a sticky substance that leads to sooty mold. Other pests, like spider mites, cause tiny yellow or brown speckles where they have pierced and fed on our cells. These spots are a clear signal that we are under attack and require your assistance to remove the invaders.
