barrel cactus

Hi I have a golden barrel cactus, It's about 16" diameter, I've had it about 2 years and have noticed some white spots on it ,also where the spikes join the cactus it is turning brown plus it is turning pale yellow instead of its green colour. can you help

 

how do you post a photo

 

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r292/howie_2007/Picture073.jpg

 

I would guess that is has been over watered and kept too dark. Cacti need sharp drainage and sunshine

 

I think Hornbeam is right Howie.
That kind of cactus needs strong sunshine, does it live in the house and on that desk?
It should in the very least be on a sunny window sill, very little if any water at this time of the year and a repot in April or May perhaps, when you can give it a little more water.
Cant make out the white spots but they could be mealy bugs.

 

I would go for mealy bug for white spots. Now can't you wipe them with something that gets through the waxy coat and poisons them? Does anyone know what it is that you can use?
Where have you kept it? My cactus are kept in a conservatory that is pretty cool in winter and they are kept bone dry. No watering unbtil things warm up in spring....and full light.

 

Looks like mealy bug. I was told to use methylated spirit on a cotton bud. Haven't tried it yet as I was not sure about it, so when I see any I just use a damp cotton bud to wipe them off.
You can buy a mealy bug killer (Provado do it) if you don't mind using chemicals.

 

Meths is the method of old gf, I've never tried it either.
Come to that I've never had mealy bugs on anything.

 

Not sure if they do much damage.You get them mainly on cacti and succulents grown under glass I think.It looks like little bits of cotton wool, and inside is a little bug that goes orange when you squidge it.