If you see wasps swarming all over unbloomed cactus buds, they aren't waiting around for the flower to open. They are actually harvesting a highly targeted, sweet treat provided by the cactus itself through a biological trick called extrafloral nectaries (EFNs). Here is exactly what is happening: 1. The "Secret" Nectar Glands Most people assume plants only make nectar deep inside fully open flowers to attract pollinators like bees. However, many cacti (especially barrel cacti, opuntias/prickly pears, and chollas) possess extrafloral nectaries—specialized glands located outside the flower, often right on the bud scales, stem tissue, or modified spines. These glands actively secrete a sugary, nutrient-rich liquid long before the bud actually opens. 2. Hiring Visual "Bodyguards" Cacti don't produce this nectar out of generosity; it's a defensive strategy. Unbloomed buds are tender, moisture-rich, and highly attractive to pests like caterpillars, sap-sucking bugs, and beetles. By pumping out nectar on the outside of the bud, the cactus intentionally recruits aggressive, predatory insects like wasps and ants. The wasps claim the cactus as a prime feeding territory. While drinking the nectar, the wasps will fiercely attack, kill, or drive away any other insects trying to chew on the unbloomed buds. 3. Quick Energy for Adult Wasps While wasp larvae eat protein (insects), adult wasps primarily live on pure carbohydrates for energy. The exposed, easily accessible sugar droplets on unbloomed cactus buds provide a massive, low-effort energy boost for foraging adults. Once the buds finally bloom, the cactus will stop fueling these exterior glands and shift its energy to inside the flower to attract standard pollinators. Until then, the wasps are just doing their job as hired security!

I think I'm killing my money tree.... I KEEP forgetting to water her she now has spores on her soil and yet is dry?! only I could mkae a plant dead from wetness and dryness lmao She's still kickin but not looking good 😬 I have a feeling it needs to be completely cleaned off and repotted into somehting bigger with room to breathe any help is appreciated! 🙏

We were just talking about scale the other day, and I came across this. What are some tips n tricks that has worked for you getting g rid of scale?

So I want to know do you use the mosquito spray services? Seems like everyone around me here does, the Northwoods is pretty thick in Mosquitoes. I will confess, I had gotten it at my old house, but I will say, I did still have pollinators come to my gardens. But I felt guilty about it everytime the guy would come. It was only a year, and after that it wasnt my problem anymore. Do you use them and why? Do know there's other options? No judgements!!

Well its halfway through April, what do you have growing? I currently dont have anything as Im getting ready to move so I just won't have much time. How about you?