Q: The leaves/stalks in the center of my desert spoon plants are being eaten away about 6 inches up from the base.Β I donβt see any problem from the base and only water them about once per month with a hose. What is causing the problem and what can I do to make them healthy again?
A:Β It appears your desert spoons are a food source for a four-legged critter, probably javelina. These animals will feed on a variety of cacti and succulents. The solution is fencing or some sort of a detour around the plants you are trying to protect. Keep up the good care you are already providing and see if you can devise some fencing system that suits your landscape plan.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to
