Help...Stange Substance!!!

Sandy Springs, GA

One of my cacti has a white crust forming around the holes on the bottom of the pot. I am not sure how long it's been there, but it doesn't seem normal. I was checking for roots poking out of the holes when I noticed the crust. Through further inspection I also noticed that there are very small crystal-like "pellets" on the soil. Unfortunately I couldn't get a clear pic of the crystals (pot too small). Does anyone know what this is and/or why it is forming. The cactus looks the same as when I bought it, so I don't think it's affecting the plant...yet.

Thumbnail by SemiGreenThumb
Sandy Springs, GA

Another pic...

Thumbnail by SemiGreenThumb
Poughkeepsie, NY(Zone 6a)

Mineral deposits from your water. You can clean it off by soaking the pot in a weak bleach and water solution for a few hours or scrub them off.

Most people have that, you'll get it on the outside of clay pots as well.


Sandy Springs, GA

Thanks Tommy. I'm glad it's not something crazy...I think I will just scrub it off for now; I plan on repotting within the next couple of days, as soon as my cactus fertilizer arrives. Thanks again.

Poughkeepsie, NY(Zone 6a)

No problem. You can use rainwater now and then to help flush out the deposits from the soil.

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