broom

Broom (often referred to as Witch's Broom or WB) is a highly debated cactus condition characterized by abnormal, dense, and clustered growth. It is a significant concern for growers because of its potential to spread and infect entire collections, though it is frequently confused with benign genetic mutations or localized pest damage.

* Extreme Clustering: True broom causes highly congested, clustered growth. According to Thomas Lauritzen, actual Witch's Broom will be at least “3X” more clustered than typical funky growth. * Hormonal Changes: The condition affects the plant's hormone levels, sometimes causing a plant to revert or throw an unusual abundance of pups. * Common Confusions: Broom is easily confused with:

• Normal new growth on monstrose or crested cacti (such as *Olivia x Jess*), which can look highly irregular at an early stage.
• Active growth points or mutations.
• Scarring and abnormal growth patterns resulting from localized bug damage.

The exact pathogen or underlying cause of broom remains unconfirmed in community discussions, though several factors are suspected: * Stress: Some growers believe the condition can be triggered by general plant stress. * Pests: Bug damage is heavily associated with the onset of broom-like growth. Bob Makershoe noted that while some abnormal growth is direct bug damage, “so is broom,” suggesting a pest vector or pest-induced origin. * Spread: If it is true broom, the condition is reported to be highly infectious. ScrapGoat Benjamin warned that letting the condition go untreated can result in it spreading to infect an entire collection. However, localized bug-damage growth may remain isolated to the damaged portion of a single plant without spreading.

*Note: The community authority, Gee Bee, did not participate in this discussion. The following recommendations reflect the consensus of experienced growers in the thread.*

* Quarantine: Immediately isolate the suspected plant far away from the rest of the collection to prevent potential spread. * Excision: Cut off the affected or damaged growth point entirely. * Wound Care: Dust the fresh cut with sulfur and allow it to heal. * Observation: Monitor the plant closely after isolation to determine if the abnormal growth continues or if the plant recovers.

Gee Bee did not participate in this discussion thread.

There is an ongoing debate regarding whether clustered growth on monstrose cultivars is a sign of disease or simply a expression of the plant's natural mutation. While some growers advise immediate cutting and quarantine out of caution to prevent a collection-wide outbreak, others note that pest damage can mimic these symptoms without presenting a systemic threat to the plant.

* Contributors: Maria Megalogeni, Loic Martin, ScrapGoat Benjamin, John Alan Steigenberger, Thomas Traweek, Shane Thomas, Snooty Nose Kennels, Peter Nehen, Thomas Lauritzen, Matt Olson, Cheyenne Dennis, Bob Makershoe. * Photos: John Alan Steigenberger.