Advertisements
Cacti and succulents are resilient to survive in some of the hottest and driest places on Earth. Little gets past their sharp spines and tough skin, except for two tiny insects that can do much damage.
Mealybugs and scale are particularly attracted to cacti and succulents. They can injure and even kill them by feeding on their juice.
Mealybugs attack all plant parts above and below ground but are usually found on leaves and stems. A plant will be covered with what looks like sticky white cotton; up close, you can see tiny white oval bugs. They can be tough to eradicate.
Scale insects cover themselves with hard, oval, tan, or brown shells. They congregate on leaves and stems and multiply quickly.
Treat Cacti and Succulents for Mealybugs and Scale
- Wear gloves before handling a cactus, or use bunched-up newspaper or paper towels to hold the plant.
Advertisements
- Spray water hard enough to dislodge the insects but not so hard as to damage the plant.
- Nick scales off with a fingernail or tweezers.
- Spray the plant with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil. Follow directions on the package, as improper use can damage the plant.
- Wipe mealybugs or scale with a cotton swab dipped in a solution of 50% rubbing alcohol and 50% water.
- Large infestations may need treatment with a systemic insecticide. This is the last resort. Avoid insecticides containing imidacloprid, which can harm pollinators. Consider whether to remove and replace the plant instead.
Source: homedepot.com
Links
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Advertisements