What are the methods for controlling pests and diseases of the night-blooming cereus?
When it comes to the night-blooming cereus, many people know of it, few have seen it, and even fewer have seen it bloom. That is because the entire blooming process of the night-blooming cereus lasts only a few hours, and because it mostly blooms at night, it also enjoys the praise of being called the "beauty under the moon." It is precisely because its blooming is so rarely seen that quite a few people grow the night-blooming cereus, just to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sight of its flowers. But if pests and diseases strike while you are growing it, the loss outweighs the gain. Below, Qinnong Web introduces the control methods for pests and diseases of the night-blooming cereus, so let us take a look at what to do when it encounters pests and diseases.
I. Pests of the night-blooming cereus
1. Aphids
Aphids are a common pest that occurs on plants. When aphids appear on the night-blooming cereus, if there are few of them, you can remove them by hand, brushing the insects off with a tool such as a writing brush, or you can spray pesticide; there are specialized insecticides for aphids.
2. Red spider mites
Red spider mites are pests that use their mouthparts to suck plant sap, harming the health of the night-blooming cereus. When you find red spider mite damage on the night-blooming cereus, you can use pesticide sprays, or you can repel the insects by spraying chili water, tobacco-soaked water, and similar methods.
3. Scale insects
Scale insects are a common pest of the night-blooming cereus, and also one of the hardest pests to completely eradicate. When they strike, the leaves are covered in small white dots, a truly pitiful sight.
The body of the scale insect is wrapped in a layer of horny shell, so pesticide spraying is actually not very effective. However, spraying during the insect's larval stage works somewhat better.
When scale insect damage appears on the night-blooming cereus, you might as well use some folk remedies, wiping the affected plant with baijiu, vinegar, alcohol, laundry detergent, and so on, which have a certain curative effect.
II. Diseases of the night-blooming cereus
1. Anthracnose
Among the several diseases of the night-blooming cereus, anthracnose is very common. When it strikes, 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 in the hot, humid summer it is very prone to occur.
When disease is discovered, the source of infection must be controlled. Generally, prevention is the priority: control water appropriately, reduce air humidity, and strengthen ventilation. When diseased leaves are found, they can be cut off to prevent the condition from spreading.
2. Root rot
When the night-blooming cereus develops 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 bring on root rot.
The basic treatment methods are to control watering and avoid the potting soil becoming too wet; remove the rotten roots and re-propagate by cuttings; repot with fresh soil, and disinfect the roots and the new soil.
The above are the common pests and diseases of the night-blooming cereus and the corresponding control measures brought to you by Qinnong Web. The flowers of the night-blooming cereus are exceedingly 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 appreciate the wonderful sight of the night-blooming cereus flowering briefly.