As robust as prickly pear cacti are, they are not immune to diseases and pests. However, if you act quickly, you can save the plants.
The prickly pear cactus originally comes from America and was already a cultivated plant of the Aztecs in what is now Mexico. It is a robust plant that is only slightly susceptible to diseases and pests. Nevertheless, care errors can creep in or even spread pests. However, you can usually get these problems under control quickly. You just have to act on time.
Careful care - he althy prickly pear
The right location and moderate watering are crucial for he althy and vigorous growth. Since it is a desert plant, you should definitely avoid too much moisture! The prickly pear needs dry, warm air to keep it resilient. If the plant substrate is too moist or the humidity is too high, rot and mold can occur. A tried and tested antidote: move the prickly pear cactus. Before moving to new substrate, allow the root ball to air dry.
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Water and fertilize prickly pear cactus - Here's how it's done
What to do with brown and white spots?
Occasionally, brown or rust-colored spots form on the leaves. The spots are not visually attractive, but harmless to the plant. Keep an eye on the discoloration. However, if the discolored areas are whitish and soft to the touch, a fungus may be the cause. Too much moisture is usually to blame.
» Combat:
If the prickly pear cactus develops, it can often no longer be saved. You can still try a special fungus remedy, but unfortunately the chances of a cure are slim. Better: Take one or more cactus ears as cuttings and grow new plants.
How to recognize and control mealybugs
If you take good care of your prickly pear cactus, pest infestation is less likely. If you want to prevent, provide a dry, warm and sheltered location, as too much moisture in the soil reduces its resilience.But be careful: In the winter quarters, the prickly pear is often particularly endangered if the humidity is too high or the room is poorly ventilated. If, despite your best efforts, mealybugs are spreading on the cactus, there are effective countermeasures you can take.
In the event of an infestation with mealybugs, webs that resemble a cotton ball will spread across the plant. Hence the name "wool lice". These suck out the plant sap and at the same time release a poison into the prickly pear cactus. The leaves then turn yellow and shrivel. In addition, the plant loses vitality.
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Isolate the prickly pear to prevent the infestation from spreading to other plants. The best antidote is a pesticide that contains neem oil. Such as Bayer organic pest-free neem (available here). This will prevent the lice from reproducing. The application must be repeated after two weeks. This is the only way you can be sure that all lice are destroyed.
Those who prefer to work with natural methods use predators: ladybugs, parasitic wasps and lacewings eat up lice and safely free the prickly pear cactus.
This helps against fungus gnats
Sciarid gnats can also cause damage to young prickly pear cactus. The tiny mosquitoes first feed on the soil and then spread to the plant.
» Combat:
A simple trick helps with an infestation with fungus gnats: With a layer of sand on the substrate you prevent fungus gnats from settling and multiplying. In older prickly pear cactus, however, this danger does not exist.
Summary:
- dry and warm location
- low humidity
- Repot the cactus if mold has formed and let it dry out
- Predators and neem oil against mealybugs
- Sand layer against fungus gnats