Cacti, like other houseplants, can be attacked by pests. The most common aremealybugs on cactibut these plants can also be attacked by scales and spider mites. Weakness in growth and yellowing, visible whitish discs or flocs of white, wool-like discharge are some of the symptoms of pest attack. Seehow to recognize cactus pestsand what to do to help the plant. We suggest recommendedspraying for cactus pests
Mealworms on a cactus
Fig. © Agnieszka Lach
Mealworms on cacti
Mealybugs are the most troublesome pests of cacti . There are two types of mealybugs on cacti.
Root mealybug(Ripersia falcifera) lives on the roots of cacti, most often in dry soil. His body is surrounded by white waxy secretions. Cactus roots infested with this pest look as if they are stuck with cotton wool.cacti turn yellow and wither
The root mealybug multiplies very quickly, and its larvae pass to neighboring plants. Root mealybug reproduction can be reduced by adding peat to the substrate and growing cacti in non-porous containers (e.g. plastic).Getting rid of these pests from the cactus is very difficultTake the cactus out of the pot, clean it thoroughly and rinse it carefully under a stream of water, and then brush its roots with a brush. After the plant is dry, it should be planted in a fresh substrate and the condition of its roots should be regularly checked to prevent the pest from reappearing.
The second type ismealybugs living on cactus shoots(Pseudococus sp.). They resemble centipedes, oval in shape and pink or orange in color. They are covered with a thick layer of waxy coating and produce a discharge that looks like cotton balls. They most often feed on young parts of plants and in the cavities between shoots.Strong attack by mealybugs weakens and rots cacti
Fighting mealybugs on cactiis extremely difficult and time-consuming. Pests must be removed manually and destroyed. For this purpose, hygienic sticks soaked in denatured alcohol are used, and then the plant is thoroughly rinsed under running water.The appearance of mealybugs on cactus shootsis favored by: high temperature and dry air. Especially often they appear on wintering plants on window sills in apartments with central heating.
Mealworms on a cactus
Fig. sylvka, forum.PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
In the case of frequent return of mealybugs, it is necessary to use insecticidal preparations, e.g. soil insecticidal sticks. Scale Ultra or the preparation forspraying on cactus pestsSubstral Polysect Hobby 750 ml.
Shields on cacti
Other pests of cacti are scalesCactus scales are most often found on cactiCactus Scale(Diaspis echinocacti), which is covered with a whitish, oval wax shield about 3 mm long. In the feeding areas of the scalesthe skin of the cactus turns yellow and dies
Scales are very resistant to insecticides, so the most effective method of fighting them is to physically remove them from the plants, and then spray with protective agents to kill the larvae and destroy the eggs.For spraying cactiwe use the same preparations as for the fight against mealybugs.
Shields on prickly pear fruit
Fig. cheetah, forum.PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Spider mites on cacti
In dry and sunny summerscacti can inhabit the greenhouse spider mite(Tetranyus telarius). It is a red-colored mite that feeds on the young, delicate tops of cacti. In the feeding areas of spider mitesthe skin of the cactus turns gray-green or rustyEarly detection of spider mite feeding symptoms avoids serious damage to the cacti.
To prevent the appearance of spider mites on the cacti , mist the plants in summer with cool water and maintain a moist atmosphere around them. When we notice the first symptoms of the appearance of spider mites, we spray with Emulpar Spray or Agrocover Spray.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
Read also:
