Christmas Cactus Diseases

Infection results in a rather moist light brown rot which shows many light pink pustules on the surface.
Christmas cactus diseases. There might be few reasons that lead to cactus rotting. Save for later print. Penn state university extension experts provide a handy fact sheet outlining the plant diseases that most often affect christmas cacti. Botrytis blight suspect botrytis blight also known as grey mold if the blooms or stem are covered with silvery gray fungus.
Potting soil should be replaced when there is an infestation of fungus gnats because their larvae grow in the soil. Cactus treatments most common diseases and pests of this flower the cactus is a succulent plant well adapted to long droughts. Each of the six christmas cactus species produces a different colored bloom with red being the most common. This disease affects several kinds of cacti cereus echinocactus mammillaria and particularly opuntia prickly pear.
Schlumbergera commonly referred to as christmas cactus derives its common name from its winter bloom period. Cacti diseases cactus rotting dry and wet rot caused by bacteria and fungi. The cactus is part of the cactaceae family most of the species from this family originated from america. Taking care of a christmas cactus is not difficult.
The christmas cactus is one of the most popular houseplants sold during the holidays. Informational table showing disease name symptoms pathogen cause and management of christmas cactus diseases. Watch for signs of the plant wilting or turning gray which often signifies root rot. Christmas cactus diseases also include botrytis blight and impatiens necrotic spot virus.
Look for signs of disease in your christmas cactus. 5 diseases commonly infect christmas cactus. Check for brown or yellow spots on the plant or blooms. Your cactus might rot due to different causes mainly bacteria and fungi but can be also viruses.
Other diseases of christmas cactus. Their list includes basal stem rot botrytis blight impatiens necrotic spot virus phytophthora root rot and pythium root rot. As the tissue dies it becomes tan and falls away removing tissue from the. Rotting is a very common problem that new cacti hobbyists might face.
If you catch the disease early removal of infected plant parts may save the plant. Cactus anthracnose fungus colletotrichum gleosporium spp. You might see a lot of stores selling these brightly colored succulents during the months of october to december. Aphids soft brown scale and spider mites are sometimes dislodged with a forceful spray of water.
At the soil line a brown spot forms.