Pests and Diseases
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Pests and diseases for succulents: general prevention & solutions
Succulents are extremely resilient plants, but they can be affected by pests and diseases, particularly when grown indoors or kept too wet. When problems do arise, they are often related to mealybugs, aphids, gray mold (Botrytis), or fungus gnats. You can find specific information for each of the... -
Signs White, cotton-like buildup in crevices between leaves Misshapen leaves marked with dents Significant leaf loss, including top and center leaves Treatments First, isolate plant to prevent spread of bugs and repot with new soil Most effective strategy: spray directly with 70% isopropyl al...
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Signs Clusters of tiny black, green, yellow, white, or pink dots Sticky residue on leaves Treatments First, isolate plant to prevent spread of aphids and repot with new soil Most effective strategy: spray directly with 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) every day until bugs disappear Was...
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Fungal Infections: signs & treatments
Fungal infections are common in succulents. They can be caused by too frequent watering, high humidity, heavy, poorly-draining soil, and/or containers lacking drainage holes. They can present in a number of ways, including a thin, white dusting, a thick layer of grey fuzz, a rusty red mottling, a... -
Fungus gnats: signs & treatments
Signs Small, black gnats flying slowly and resting on wet soil Look similar to fruit flies Treatments Help soil dry out completely by reducing watering frequency and increasing airflow and sunlight Make a gnat trap: pour a couple splashes of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap into... -
Gray mold (Botrytis): signs & treatments
Signs Mass of fuzzy, gray to brown fungal spores Dusty mold spreading from broken, damaged, or dying leaves and stems Treatments Remove any dead or dying plant parts (clean scissors with bleach before and after) Apply a copper soap fungicide every 7-10 days until mold is gone Reduce watering ... -
Signs Hard, round black, brown, or gray bumps Weak, wilted, or yellowing plants Treatments Spray with 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) daily until insects are gone Gently scrape off scale with a card Remove affected leaves and stems Spray with soapy water solution (three drops of soap in...