Chronic Basal Browning in South Florida Barrel Cacti: Climate Mismatch

South Florida barrel/round cacti show slow basal tan discoloration creeping upward over 2 years, across pots and ground beds. Opuntias get cochineal scale but barrels don't. New raised bed planned with sandy limestone soil. Roots of pulled barrel were not checked. Consensus after research: not nutritional—environmental. South Florida's humidity, warmth, and lack of true dormancy favor dry rot (tan, not black). Epiphytic cacti only viable outdoors. Contact South Florida Cactus & Succulent Society. Opuntia humifusa is native Florida species. Grow barrels indoors; succulents outdoors. Climate mismatch is the root cause.