Christmas Cactus Critters: A Guide to Common Pests
Identifying and Quickly Eradicating Holiday-Harming Christmas Cactus Pests: A Guide on Spotting and Swiftly Destroying Bugs Infestations
Having a beautiful Christmas cactus doesn't always mean a smooth ride. These plants can still encounter bugs, just like other houseplants. But don't fret - most Christmas cactus insects are manageable. Here's a rundown of common pests and how to deal with them.
Christmas Cactus' Eneemies Galore
Even in the best growing conditions, these plants can attract pests like fungus gnats, thrips, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Although rare, they can be a nuisance.
Like most common Christmas cactus issues, pest management mainly involves proper care. A healthy plant is a tough plant.
Although Christmas cacti are epiphyte plants, native to tropical rainforests, they grow on trees and obtain moisture and nutrients from their surroundings. In their natural environment and as houseplants, they are generally resistant to pests. However, they can still be susceptible to some common pests such as scale, mealybugs, gnats, thrips, and spider mites.
1. Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats are tiny, flying insects, known for being the bane of greenhouse growers. While adults don't harm the plant, their larvae do. These legless larvae feed on cactus roots, causing infections.
Control these creatures with pesticides specific to them. Adults are sensitive to most chemical treatments. Surface sprays and soil drenches are effective at controlling larvae. Consider using nematodes, microscopic worms that consume soil insects, to aid in pest control as well.
Avoid overwatering your Christmas cactus, as gnats are drawn to damp soil. To water correctly, only do so when the top layer of soil is dry. Replace the top couple of inches of soil where the adult gnats lay eggs and their larvae feed on decaying plant matter.
2. Thrips
Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on young stems and flower buds. The damage caused leads to stunted or distorted growth and Christmas cactus buds dropping off. Both adults and young thrips can harm plants.
These pests might leave white or silver streaks on leaves, with heavily infested leaves turning silvery and brown. Dark fecal spots may also appear.
Control thrips with natural insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays. To target young thrips hatching into the soil, consider using a systemic houseplant insecticide.
3. Mealybugs
One of the most common pests on indoor plants, mealybugs are tiny white bugs that feed on the sap of cactus leaves while protected by fuzzy white secretions.
To remove mealybugs, carefully pick them off with a toothpick or soft toothbrush, or use a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. Dilute the alcohol to a ratio of 1:3 with water before use. If this fails, opt for a systemic insecticide formulated for indoor plants.
4. Scale
Scale insects are tiny, dark brown, round to oval pests that feed on cactus cladophylls, or flattened stems and branches. Although rare, severe infestations can lead to yellowing, reduced growth, and plant death.
To treat minor infestations, pick off or gently scrub the scale from the leaves and stems. Use a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol or neem oil solution for large infestations.
Severely infested plants may require a soil drench using a chemical insecticide. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on chemical controls for best results.
5. Spider Mites
Spider mites are challenging to spot with the naked eye, but their presence might be revealed by fine webbing or speckles on the leaves.
Regular application of insecticidal soap can help eliminate spider mites. Keep leaves clean, as these pests prefer dusty conditions.
6. Other Christmas Cactus Pests
Christmas cacti grown outside may be susceptible to other pests such as deer, rodents, rabbits, slugs, and snails. Use fences or mesh covers to protect plants, or bring them inside to a covered area if necessary. Raising container plants above the ground can deter snails and slugs.
Now that you know the common pests found on Christmas cacti, you can take the necessary steps to banish the bugs from your plants and keep them healthy all year round!
Note: Amy Grant is a gardening expert with 30 years of experience, specializing in culinary gardening. Mary H. Dyer is a writer, while Melanie Griffiths is a senior editor.
Incorporating a home-and-garden lifestyle, tending to our Christmas cactus means being vigilant against common pests. Among these pests are fungus gnats, thrips, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Proper care for our Christmas cactus should include gardening techniques aimed at managing these pests, ensuring a healthy, pest-free home and garden environment.
