How to prevent and control epiphyllum pests and diseases? A detailed guide to the latest methods

Speaking of epiphyllum, many people know of it, few have seen it, and even fewer have seen it bloom. That is because the whole process of epiphyllum blooming lasts only a few hours, and because it mostly blooms at night, it also enjoys the praise of “Beauty under the Moon.” It is precisely because the blooming of epiphyllum is so rarely seen that quite a few people grow epiphyllum, just to catch a glimpse of the beautiful flowers. But if pests and diseases strike while you are growing epiphyllum, the loss outweighs the gain. Below, Qinnong Network introduces the prevention and control methods for epiphyllum pests and diseases, so let us take a look at what to do when epiphyllum encounters pests and diseases.

I. Pests of epiphyllum

1. Aphids

Aphids are a common pest that occurs on plants. When aphids appear on epiphyllum, if there are few insects, you can remove them by hand, brushing them off with a tool such as a small brush, or you can spray pesticide, as there are special insecticides for aphids.

2. Red spider mites

Red spider mites are pests that use their mouthparts to suck plant sap, harming the health of epiphyllum. When you find red spider mite damage on epiphyllum, you can use pesticide sprays to kill them, or you can use chili water, tobacco water sprays and other methods to repel the insects.

3. Scale insects

Scale insects are a common pest of epiphyllum and also one of the hardest pests to completely eradicate. When they break out, the leaves are covered in small white spots, a sight too awful to bear.

The bodies of scale insects are wrapped in a layer of keratinous shell, so pesticide sprays are actually not very effective. However, spraying during the nymph stage works somewhat better.

When scale insects harm epiphyllum, you might as well use some folk methods, wiping the affected plant with baijiu, vinegar, alcohol, laundry detergent and so on, which have a certain curative effect.

II. Diseases of epiphyllum

1. Anthracnose

Among the several diseases of epiphyllum, anthracnose is very common. When it occurs, brown spots appear on the leaves, then keep expanding, the leaves turn yellow, and even the entire leaf dies. Anthracnose is generally caused by bacteria and is very likely to occur in the hot and humid summer.

When you find the disease, you must control the source of infection. Generally, prevention is the main approach: control watering appropriately, reduce air humidity, and strengthen ventilation. If you find diseased leaves, you can cut them off to prevent the disease from spreading.

2. Root rot

When epiphyllum suffers from root rot, the roots decay and the leaves wrinkle, causing enormous harm. It is generally caused by fungal infection of the roots or by insects, and too much watering can also lead to root rot.

The basic treatment methods are to control watering and avoid the potting soil becoming too wet; remove the rotten roots and re-cuttage; and repot and replace the soil, making sure to disinfect the roots and the new soil.

The above are the common pests and diseases of epiphyllum and the corresponding prevention and control measures brought to you by Qinnong Network. The flowers of epiphyllum are very beautiful and moving, so do not let such a beautiful flower be harmed by pests and diseases. We hope that by reading this article, together with observation and care during cultivation, everyone can enjoy the wonder of the epiphyllum blooming in a fleeting moment.