Control Methods for Common Summer Pests and Diseases of Succulents
Disease Control
Stem Rot
Stem rot mainly harms the stem base of succulents. When the disease occurs, dark brown patches form at the affected area, gradually causing the stems and branches of the plant to rot and soften; in severe cases, it can cause the death of the entire plant.
Control methods: Stem rot is mostly caused by fungi, so in daily care, pay more attention to ventilation and carry out reasonable water and fertilizer management. The growing medium is best sterilized before use. If symptoms occur, spray carbendazim or amobam for control.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose mainly harms the fleshy leaves of succulents. When the disease occurs, brown leaf spots appear, and as the condition worsens, the spots gradually expand and turn brown; in severe cases, it can cause leaf drop.
Control methods: When spots are found, promptly remove the diseased branches and leaves, pay attention to keeping the potting soil clean in daily care, and carry out sterilization work in a timely manner. After symptoms are found, spray carbendazim or Bordeaux mixture and other agents for timely control.
Soft Rot
In the early stage of soft rot, the fleshy stems and leaves appear weak and limp. When the condition becomes severe, a sticky wet rot appears on the surface of the plant and gives off an unpleasant odor.
Control methods: Pay more attention to ventilating the succulents, and at the same time control watering to avoid the potting soil becoming too wet. Carry out chemical control as early as possible in the initial stage of the disease, spraying streptomycin or Bordeaux mixture, etc., for treatment and control.
Phytophthora Blight
Phytophthora blight mainly harms the roots and stems of succulents. Dark brown water-soaked lesions appear at the affected areas, and sometimes a white mold layer also appears.
Control methods: During the care of succulents, pay attention to keeping the potting soil clean; the growing medium is best used after sterilization and disinfection. Spraying metalaxyl-copper and other agents can effectively control it.
Black Spot
Black spot mostly harms the fleshy leaves of succulents, producing black dot-like spots on the leaves; in severe cases, rotting occurs.
Control methods: After discovery, carry out chemical treatment promptly; spray carbendazim or chlorothalonil for control, and after a period of time, the condition can be well controlled.
Sooty Mold
Once sooty mold occurs, it must be dealt with promptly, because sooty mold is highly infectious. It is mostly caused by a stuffy, hot and humid growing environment for the succulents.
Control methods: Pay attention to ventilation in daily care, pay attention to the watering ratio, and an appropriate amount of diluted liquor may be sprayed, or alternatively choose carbendazim for spraying.
Pest Control
Mealybugs
Mealybugs mainly harm the stems and leaves of succulents. They live by sucking the plant's sap, often causing succulents to show symptoms of leaf drop and yellowing.
Control methods: Wash the plant with water to remove the pests, or if pests are found, promptly replace the potting soil and clean the leaves of the succulents.
Whiteflies
Whitefly larvae parasitize inside the plant and suck its sap. The secretions of whiteflies can induce sooty mold, having an extremely bad effect on the health of the succulents.
Control methods: Provide a ventilated environment, and use malathion and other insecticides for spraying and killing.
Black Fungus Gnats
Crassulaceae succulents have a relatively high probability of developing black fungus gnats; the larvae eat the tender buds of the succulents, causing the plants to become infected.
Control methods: Black fungus gnats like humus, so the planting soil is best kept away from such substances; in addition, paying attention to maintaining the degree of dryness and wetness of the potting soil is very important. If gnats are found, suitable insecticides may be chosen for spraying and killing.
To prevent succulents from getting sick, the most important thing is to do a good job of ventilation and care. An overly shady and damp environment not only causes bacteria to breed but may also trigger pest problems. Therefore, doing a good job of daily ventilation and preventing a stuffy, hot and humid environment is crucial for growing succulents.