These gastropods are a particular problem for outdoor succulents. To eliminate Sooty Mold, the insect infestation must be eliminated. Spores may be blown in from the wind, in soil, or contracted from splashing water. These are small, white, flying insects which are common problems for leafy succulents. They may be round, irregular, raised, flat, and any other shape. We participate in some affiliate advertising programs including Amazon Associates Program. Greenhouse specimens may be particularly susceptible unless there is adequate ventilation. They are very stealthy, hiding under the leaves and can only be identified when the plant is disturbed. All rights reserved. Fungus spots on cactus pads are common. This type of fungal infection is also called Black Mold. Plants will also become weak and susceptible to diseases. It's a common problem for … San Marcos Growers. They have an unmistakable white, cottony coating that insulates and protects them from predators. The presence of these mites is not easy to identify and the infestation will only be diagnosed once the plant is exhibiting symptoms that are permanently damaging. “Introduction to Succulents and Cacti – Cacti Culture for Newbies”. This is the method I always try first. (6) “Aloe Mite”. Repot your plants in a well draining potting mix suitable for cacti and succulents if they are sitting in the wrong medium to prevent moist soil. Although the diagnosis can be late, once identified, fungus gnats can be controlled with insecticide or larvicide application (7). If the conditions are met, they will surely make a home out of the nooks and crannies of any succulent. Since the damage done by eriophyid mites is irreversible, the best way to control infestation is to dispose of the infested plant so the mites will not spread to other plants. They are difficult to identify unless present in large numbers. Even purchased potting soil may be contaminated with fungal spores. Mendon Cottage Books. Scale insects multiply very fast and can easily cover a whole collection if left uncontrolled. 2014. P. 139 (aloe mite). Red spider mites do not like humidity and can be easily eradicated by washing the plant, however, succulents are also not a fan of being wet so be careful not to soak your succulents. Despite their known resiliency to harsh and unforgiving environments, succulents are still susceptible to a number of pest infestations. If you wish to use pesticides, note that spider mites require a specific miticide and will not be easily controlled with most insecticides (1,2). Subscribe now and be up to date with our latest news and updates. I hope you enjoy reading these succulent pest control tips. These grubs bore into the stems and feed on the plant roots. Mix the 4 teaspoons or 1 heaping tablespoon of baking soda in 1 gallon of water. If you overwater your cactus many times (especially need to be careful in cold weather and winter), it will start rotting. Insecticide treatment has to be done three times in weekly intervals to achieve good control of these pests (3). A systemic insecticide can also be applied during the plant’s growing season to further prevent spread (1,2,3). They can cause stunted growth and weakening of the plant. You can also cause rot or rupture of cacti cells. Spraying with diluted neem oil also works (4). “Success with Succulents: Choosing, Growing, and Caring for Cactuses and Other Succulents” Cool Springs Press. Overwatering of succulents mixed with cool weather, or planting the succulent in the soil too deeply, provides a prime breeding ground for stem rot-causing fungi. P 215. Lesions on cacti may present in many different ways. These grubs bore into the stems and feed on the plant roots. Use a sterile knife to take the cutting and dust it with sulfur to kill any possible adhering spores. These insects are covered with a scale armor that protects it from predators and pesticides. These pesky insects can be controlled using insecticides or through biological control but often as a last resort. They can be picked off by hand or organically controlled using slug pellets with an iron phosphate. Red spider mites can only be identified when they have multiplied in number, at which point they will have formed webbing that can cover whole plants. Sooty Mold also called Black Mold, is among the least damaging fungi on succulents. Plant growers usually mix … They could even become susceptible to diseases due to the honeydew that these pests produce. While these insects can be easily identified because they mostly feed on the leaves and stem, some mealybugs prefer to attack the roots. These baits are safe for humans and pets and will become fertilizer to the plant if not eaten by the slugs, so there is no need for worrying (1,2,3). As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you). There are organic treatments to get rid of powdery mildews: Potassium bicarbonate – is an effective and safe treatment that kills spores. Eradication can be difficult even through the application of a suitable insecticide that some gardeners resort to using biological controls, e.g. Remove any leaves that have become infected. Insecticide treatment has to be done three times in weekly intervals to achieve good control of these pests (3). Infested plants will show symptoms of stunting and failure to thrive. It’s also among the least damaging fungi on... Grey Mold. Remove infected plant areas, improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering the succulent. Eriophyid mites target Aloe and Haworthia plants. Crowood. If you have white mold on your succulent, you're more likely dealing with powdery mildew a common houseplant ailment that's easy to treat. If the damage isn't severe, a fungicide spray can usually help. Fungal Infections And Succulents- How To Treat Them Sooty Mold. Outdoor cactus can come in contact with fungal spores in various ways. PP 86-87. Keep the area dry as it calluses and watch carefully for signs of reinfection. These insect pests are small, about 2.5 mm in length. Cassidy Tuttle 2020-06-10T10:38:56-07:00. The cacti most frequently plagued by fungal lesions are Opuntias. On aloes, the galls can form cancer-like structures that can severely disfigure the plant. Fungal lesions on cactus usually start as water spots or slight discolorations on the plant's epidermis. If unsure whether to use fertilizer or not, a patch-test can be done by applying the product to a small area and seeing if it will cause damage to the plant. Surface fungi are easy to treat when they are present in succulents, but the various types of fungi that cause internal rots can pose much more difficult problems. A landscape horticulturist by profession, she has been designing, installing, and maintaining various landscapes and gardens for residential and commercial use. Milk – another effective way to get rid of powdery mildew. Simple topical fungal spots are much easier to combat and are usually not life-threatening to the cactus provided steps are taken to control the offending fungus. Scale insects can be controlled the same way as mealybugs and aphids. Crassula, Echeveria, and Kalanchoe plants are the most susceptible to these pests. (4) Singh D., Davidson J. Aphid infestation can be controlled simply by washing the infested plants or rubbing using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Be careful when applying baking soda to your succulents, as repeated exposure can burn leaves. Looking at the pot contents will reveal wriggling white larvae in the soil. Prolific in autumn, they lay their eggs in humus-rich soil where the larvae will hatch and eat young plant roots, even the whole plant. It appears as a result of feeding by aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and scale, as these insects exude a sweet substance called honeydew that the Sooty Mold feeds upon. The succulent's leaves shrivel, and the succulent may die. Some are corky, while others are weepy. “Practical Cactus and Succulent Book: How to Choose, Nurture, and Display 200 Cacti and Succulents”. As with other insect pests, they suck on the plant sap, causing damage to the plant and even allowing the fungal growth and diseases. Until the mildew is contained, it’s best to keep it separate from your other plants and succulents. Also known as aloe mite, aloe wart mite, or aloe gall mite, eriophyid mites are very small, visible only under a microscope. 2020. These pests are very small, with the adults measuring only up to about 1 mm in length. Whether experienced or not, most succulent growers will go through the occasional pest attack, and there is nothing to do but try to control the infestation. 2017. For the best chances of success, treat your cacti at the first signs infection. How to Treat Fungus Once there is a fungus affecting your cactus, it can be difficult to stop.