Diseases Of Christmas Cactus

Rotting is a very common problem that new cacti hobbyists might face.
Diseases of christmas cactus. A christmas cactus plant with a heavy infestation of pests may need to be discarded. You might see a lot of stores selling these brightly colored succulents during the months of october to december. Potting soil should be replaced when there is an infestation of fungus gnats because their larvae grow in the soil. Save for later print.
If you catch the disease early removal of infected plant parts may save the plant. 5 diseases commonly infect christmas cactus. Cacti diseases cactus rotting dry and wet rot caused by bacteria and fungi. At the soil line a brown spot forms.
The christmas cactus is one of the most popular houseplants sold during the holidays. 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.
Now rinse the root ball to try to remove any disease and fungus. Check for brown or yellow spots on the plant or blooms. Infection results in a rather moist light brown rot which shows many light pink pustules on the surface. You can save this plant if you catch this problem in a time when the cause is root rot.
Their list includes basal stem rot botrytis blight impatiens necrotic spot virus phytophthora root rot and pythium root rot. You will also need to trim off any roots that look bad and diseased. Other diseases of christmas cactus. There might be few reasons that lead to cactus rotting.
Cactus anthracnose fungus colletotrichum gleosporium spp. Your cactus might rot due to different causes mainly bacteria and fungi but can be also viruses. The cactus is part of the cactaceae family most of the species from this family originated from america. As the tissue dies it becomes tan and falls away removing tissue from the.
Aphids soft brown scale and spider mites are sometimes dislodged with a forceful spray of water. Cactus treatments most common diseases and pests of this flower the cactus is a succulent plant well adapted to long droughts. Stem rot in christmas cactus. Another common problem that can occur with growing a christmas cactus is stem rot.
This disease affects several kinds of cacti cereus echinocactus mammillaria and particularly opuntia prickly pear. Disease symptoms pathogen cause management. Penn state university extension experts provide a handy fact sheet outlining the plant diseases that most often affect christmas cacti.