Christmas Cactus Pests - Treating Common Pests Of Christmas Cactus

7 Common Christmas Cactus Pests

Aphids. Aphids, Aphidoidea spp., are soft-bodied, sap-sucking bugs that come in from outside. ...
Fungus Gnats. Fungus gnats, Lycoriella spp., live in soil and other types of potting medium that are rich with damp, decaying organic matter. ...
Mealybugs. ...
Red Spider Mites. ...
Soft Brown Scale. ...
Thrips. ...
Whiteflies.

How do I keep bugs off my Christmas cactus?

To remove mealybugs, pick them off with a toothpick or soft toothbrush. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, but be careful; too much rubbing alcohol may damage the leaves. If all else fails, you may want to try a systemic insecticide formulated for indoor plants.

What are the bugs on my cactus?

Although most problems associated with cacti and succulents grown as houseplants are bacterial or fungal diseases caused by overwatering, they do get the occasional insect pest. The most common pests are scale, mealy bugs and root mealy bugs. Less common pests include spider mites and fungus gnats.

How do I get rid of bugs on my cactus?

Spray bugs off the plant with your garden hose.

Physical removal is the best initial treatment for bug infestations. As soon as you notice bugs on your cactus, set your garden hose to a stream setting. Spray down the entire plant to blast off any bugs crawling on the surface.

What is the white stuff on my Christmas cactus?

The white stuff on your cactus is most likely a mealybug (cochineal insect) infestation. These little white bugs infest cacti plants to feed on the sap in their leaves. While they pose no risk to homes, they can decimate succulents causing stunted growth, deformed stems and yellowing leaves.

Should I repot my Christmas cactus?

When to Repot Christmas Cactus

Most plants are best repotted when they display new growth in spring, but Christmas cactus repotting should be done after blooming ends and the flowers have wilted in late winter or early spring. Never attempt to repot the plant while it is actively blooming.

What's eating my Christmas cactus?

Recognition and management are essential, as common Christmas cactus pests like aphids, fungus gnats, mealybugs, red spider mites, soft brown scale, thrips, and whiteflies can cause problems ranging from stunted growth, yellowing foliage, and wilting, to root damage and vulnerability to diseases like sooty mold.

Will vinegar kill mealybugs?

Apple cider vinegar stops the molting process of mealybugs, and will also help to kill the majority of pests on the plants. Apple cider vinegar is completely safe for your plants, and there is no harm to repeat the same mixture on consecutive days.

How do I keep bugs from eating my succulents?

Clean off the soil and wash off the bugs from the roots. Spray the plant with rubbing alcohol or soapy water. Some people like to dilute the alcohol with water, about half strength. Let the plant dry for a few days and then re-pot in a fresh potting mix that is well draining and suitable for cacti and succulents.

How do I get rid of aphids on my cactus?

Instead, mix up your own insecticidal soap by adding only 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap to a quart of water. Mix it gently, and then pour it into a spray bottle. The solution must come into contact with the aphids to kill them, so be sure to thoroughly coat the cactus with the soap and water.

Will dish soap kill mealybugs?

Homemade dish soap spray - Soap will suffocate mealybugs. Combine 1 tablespoon of dish soap with a quart of water and spray down your plant. Test the spray on one leaf before applying to the rest, and repeat every few days as needed.

What is the best way to get rid of mealybugs?

MEALYBUGS TREATMENT

Dip cotton balls and swabs in alcohol and remove all visible mealybugs. ...
Mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with few drops of Dawn dish soap and 1 quart (32oz) of water. ...
Spray the whole plant, not only where mealybugs are visible. ...
Repeat the treatment once or twice a week until the issue is gone.

Can hand sanitizer kill mealybugs?

Applying Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is the kind of alcohol most often recommended as an insecticide, and it usually is sold as a mixture of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and 30 percent water. ... The alcohol should dissolve the mealybugs' and eggs' protective coating and kill both the bugs and eggs.

Are coffee grounds good for Christmas cactus?

Coffee is a trusted secret that many people use to keep their Christmas cactus healthy and blooming each year. Just make sure its plain black coffee. Find this Pin and more on Christmas cactus tips by Barbra Thelen-Byrnes.

What is the lifespan of a Christmas cactus?

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, when properly cared for, Christmas cacti can live for 20 to 30 years. If you provide long nights starting around October 1st, you can force the Christmas cactus to bloom year after year. Cool night temperatures can also encourage it to bloom.

Is Epsom salt good for Christmas cactus?

Christmas cacti have a higher requirement for magnesium than many plants. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) mixed at 1 teaspoon per gallon of water, but do not apply the same week as regular fertilizer.

Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?

In general, water a Christmas cactus when the top inch or 2 of soil is dry. To help increase the humidity around your plant, fill the pot saucer with pebbles and add water to just below the tops of the pebbles (the pot shouldn't be sitting directly in water).

Do Christmas cactus like clay pots?

ANSWER: Christmas cacti are well suited to clay pots due to their quickly-draining nature. ... So, if you are using clay pots, pay extra close attention to the moisture levels in the soil to keep it from drying out.

What kind of pots do Christmas cactus like?

Christmas Cactus bloom best when slightly potbound. Mine was in a 6″ grow pot & I planted it into an 8″ pot. I've seen older Christmas Cacti planted in relatively small pots & they're doing just fine. Make sure the pot has at least 1 drain hole.

How do you make insecticidal soap spray?

How to Make Insecticidal Soap

Combine one cup of oil, any variety, such as vegetable, peanut, corn, soybean, etc. with one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid or other “pure” soap. ...
Mix two teaspoons of this “soap” mixture to every cup of warm water and put into a spray bottle. Mix only what is needed for a one-day application.

How do you propagate Christmas cactus?

The Christmas cactus is a relatively easy plant to propagate. Take cuttings of one to four segments and let them sit in a cool, dry place for two to four days. Plant an inch deep in new soil, preferably a sand/peat mix. Water sparingly until roots or new growth develop, then water as normal.

How do I get rid of spider mites?

How to Treat Spider Mites

To treat a plant for spider mites, the first step is to hose the plant down under the sink or shower faucet, dislodging the bugs. ...
Follow this with an insecticide, such as neem oil. ...
For serious infestations that are undeterred by neem oil, insecticidal soap is a stronger treatment option.