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What to do when Christmas cactus leaves develop white spots? Causes and solutions

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When you think of this plant, do you only think of the red varieties? In fact, after hybridization, its colors are very diverse. For example, white varieties include 'Snowflake' and 'Christmas White'. There are also yellow varieties, such as 'Gold Charm' and 'Gold Fantasy', and so on. Then there are pink ones, like 'Camilla' and 'Eva'. No matter the variety, the flowers need leaves to set them off. So, if white spots appear on the leaves, it does not look very attractive. What should be done then?

1. Pest infestation

(1) There is a type of insect called "scale insect." It is a common pest, and its body surface has a waxy layer that ordinary pesticides cannot penetrate. Therefore, its damage is relatively serious. After the plant is infested by it, white spots may appear on the leaves.

(2) Control methods: First, we should adjust the method according to the number of insects. If there are few, you can brush them off with a brush, or scrape them off with a bamboo strip. You can also remove them with tape, which is relatively simple and easy to do. Then, rinse the plant clean with water.

If there are many insects, then we have to spray pesticide. Generally, we can use malathion emulsifiable concentrate. When spraying, pay attention to spraying evenly on both the front and back sides of the leaves, because these insects may also be on the underside of the leaves.

Next, pay attention to the surrounding environmental conditions. Do not forget ventilation at ordinary times, and also provide light in time to improve its disease resistance. Also, if one plant is already infected, be careful not to let other flowers get close to it, to avoid the pests migrating to the other flowers.

2. Disease

(1) Cause: It is prone to infection by a disease called "powdery mildew." In the early stages of the disease, small spots appear on the leaves of the plant. Then, the spots merge into patches and take on a white powdery appearance. Generally, the lower leaves are more commonly affected.

(2) Control methods: First, remove the diseased leaves. Then, we can spray some triadimefon solution. In addition, we need to pay attention to the amount of watering, not too much. Also, when watering, do not let it splash onto the leaves.

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