Home » Plants & Animals » Cacti & Succulents » Afflictions of Succulents, Part I (Pests)

Afflictions of Succulents, Part I (Pests)

© Leigh SumnerKirk

Arguably, the most frustrating aspect of growing Cacti & succulents is dealing with sick plants. While succulents are wonders of adaptation and resiliency, they are still vulnerable to many afflictions, some of which can inflict irreparable damage in remarkably short order. Compounding this frustration is the fact that finding proper treatment is not always as easy (or fast) as it should be. Symptoms of many problems appear similar, but may require vastly differing solutions. Or, one may find a bewildering array of potential cures for what initially appeared to be a straight-forward problem.

In the belief that Knowledge is Power, what follows is a lay-persons look at pests (other issues will be dealt with in later articles). This information has been culled from several sources, but I have to offer special thanks to a couple in particular. The first is Marina Welham, editor of the amazingly informative Amateur's Digest, and its associated web site. A recent Digest article by David McRitchie ("What's Eating My Echinopsis?") was especially helpful in researching this subject. The other is to all the growers, worldwide, who contribute to various e-mail groups. The scores of individuals who regularly offer their experiences and insights are an invaluable resource.

Before analysing potential problems of C & S cultivation, it is perhaps best to note the old adage of an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure. To this end, all new plants should be quarantined for a time, and then carefully inspected, lest they introduce a nightmarish problem to an entire collection.

Many C & S are tolerant of varying conditions. A plant weakened by improper growing conditions, however, is far likelier to attract pests or fall victim to disease. In fact, some of the most common problems are attributable to cultural issues. Over-watering a plant provides ideal conditions for the entry and growth of harmful fungi and bacteria. Cold damage causes withering and glassiness of plant tissue. Poor light, possibly combined with over-fertilisation, causes etoliation (elongated, leggy growth), and sometimes discolouration. Alternatively, over-exposure causes sunken, brown spots that are actually plant sunburn. Avoiding these problems is the most important factor in keeping your plants healthy. Sometimes, even in optimal conditions, pests become a nuisance. Some are particularly fond of succulent plants, and all can be very difficult to control. It can be, at times, tempting to find an industrial sized bottle of the strongest insecticide available. This solution is not necessarily good for the plants, however. Although it can be frustrating trying a number of solutions, it is always best to solve the problem with the least intrusive method possible. If you need to use chemical products, especially sprays, be sure to rinse plants with a spray of cool water within the next day. Some growers have found that when chemicals remain on the surface, scarring of plants can occur. Be cognizant, also, of the potential effects of chemicals on yourself and other people and animals.