Common cactus diseases and their own treatment
It is generally accepted that the thorny representatives of the desert can easily survive in any conditions. Unfortunately, various diseases of cacti and their treatment cause amazement among inexperienced growers. It seems to them that the plant does not have pests. After all, it meets its enemies with sharp thorns. Due to this misconception, many do not pay attention to the first symptoms of infection. And when, the succulent is "barely alive", they begin to rescue it diligently. What will help you spot the problem in time? Why do even such cultures suffer from ailments? Consider the symptoms of dangerous diseases of cacti and their treatment at home.
Delicate and vulnerable plant
Cacti like to be in an abundance of light all year round, but at the same time, they are afraid of direct sunlight. They prefer light, permeable soil. The optimum ambient temperature is about 20 ° C. Desert species hibernate during the winter cold. They do not need abundant watering. It is enough only occasionally to moisturize the plant so that it successfully returns to life in early spring.
Improper watering of the plant or an open window on a frosty day can lead to illness.
Prevention against ailments
There are times when cacti infest incurable diseases. Good care and good hygiene will help save them from death. Of course, this is not about hand washing in a pandemic. There are a few simple rules.
When buying a cactus, flower growers pay attention to the root system (if possible), needles, flower body. The culture should not have:
- dents;
- points;
- stains;
- mold elements.
Inspection for the presence of pests will not hurt. For example, a miniature white dot indicates the habitat of a mealybug. Brown speck - masked microscopic shield... Such a plant should not be brought into your home.
If the choice fell on a perfectly healthy succulent, the problem may appear later. Therefore, the new "pets" arrange a monthly quarantine away from other plants. When transplanting cacti, be sure to disinfect the soil and wash the pots with hot water.
It is through the soil that most of the fungi that cause dangerous infections are transmitted.
Popular diseases of cacti and their treatment
It can be difficult to spot an infection in a plant. It often develops without visible symptoms. However, over time, cacti begin to wither. White or brown spots and signs of black rot are formed on the green "body". Most often, diseases are caused by fungi, viruses and bacteria. Let's get to know the potential enemies of thorny succulents.
Late blight
The infection often affects an entire group of cacti. The fungus spreads through various types of seeds, vegetables or fruits. Sometimes late blight spores get on a healthy flower from infected "neighbors".
Disease is determined by visible signs:
- the formation of yellow spots at the root collar;
- loss of color saturation:
- softening the tissues of the flower body;
- elements of decay.
Finding the symptoms of late blight explains why the cactus became soft and lost its attractiveness.Fortunately, the infection is treatable if it is mild.
Noticing the problem at an early stage, growers carefully cut out the affected part. The resulting wound is treated with a fungicide solution. The succulent is transplanted into new soil and pot. With an advanced form of late blight, the plant is "consigned to oblivion" along with the ground.
The pot in which the infected plant grew, it is advisable to thoroughly wash and pour over with boiling water.
Helminthosporiosis (pyrenophorosis)
The infection often affects young crops of succulents, which leads to their deformation. Bright brown spots on the cactus indicate the rapid development of the disease. As a result, seedlings quickly lose moisture and die. The plant is saved only at the first symptoms of infection. The infected "flesh" is removed from the succulent body or immediately transplanted into new soil.
Rhizoctonia (wet rot)
If the cactus turns yellow in the root area, it means that it was affected by wet rot. Signs of the disease on young shoots are noticeable already at the first stage. Darkening departs from the root system, which gradually rises to the top of the plant. Usually, the infection progresses rapidly, causing complete death of the culture tissue. Therefore, flower growers act quickly. The first step is to cut out the resulting yellow spot. Then the cut is treated with an antiseptic.
Black rot
Symptoms of the disease are manifested in the formation of spots of a different nature. They are:
- glossy;
- black;
- brown.
The affected plant looks dull and needs treatment. At an early stage of infection, the spots found are cut out with a sharp knife. In this case, undamaged tissue is also captured. The wounds are covered with activated carbon or dried with sulfur. The rehabilitated succulent and the substrate are sprayed with Oxyhom.
Fomoz
Another name for infection is dry rot. It is noteworthy that at an early stage, it is impossible to notice the symptoms. They are usually found when the cactus is already dying. During this period, it loses its color brightness. Becomes pale, indicating "deathbed cramps." Dry rot completely destroys the internal tissue of the culture. The disease is fleeting and cannot be treated.
Brown rot
The infection affects the main stem of the plant, starting from the root collar or some damage. If the cactus has darkened, then the disease is progressing. Gradually, the inner tissues will turn into a jelly-like slurry. It is almost impossible to save a succulent.
For prevention purposes, it is advisable to regularly inspect the plants. If damage appears on the body, heal immediately.
Anthracnose
As the disease develops, the appearance of the succulent changes completely. So-called "glades" of different shades of brown are formed on it. They quickly spread throughout the body of the plant. How to cure a cactus from a brown spot fungus?
An untreated infection is eliminated in the traditional way. The brown spots are cut out first. Then the remaining places are carefully treated with a sulfur solution. In conclusion, the whole flower is sprayed with a preparation from the "Fungicides" series.
Rust
The biggest disappointment for the grower is the appearance of spots on the cactus. What does this mean and how to deal with them? This is the first thing that comes to mind. It turns out that red or light brown stains indicate a serious infection.
Most often, rust occurs due to mistakes in plant care:
- sunburn;
- cold watering injuries;
- a sharp drop in temperature.
It is through damage that the fungus enters the succulent. Over time, signs of infection appear on other parts of the stem.
There are 2 ways to help a cactus get rid of rust. It is carefully sprayed with a special drug "Topaz", which is sold in flower shops. If you do not want to use chemistry, the pot with the plant is transferred to a dry place. The main thing is that there is an abundance of sunlight.Microorganisms do not multiply in such "extreme" conditions. Sometimes a culture heals itself and regains its former beauty.
Fusarium
Active reproduction of fungi leads to a complete change in the appearance of the plant. The main stem gradually changes color. First it becomes yellowish, and then reddish-brown. At the last stage, it shrivels and dies. And all because the root of the cactus rots - the basis of plant life.
Disease can be prevented by watering the plant only after the soil is completely dry.
Treatment for fusarium disease includes simple steps:
- removal of damaged areas;
- treatment of wounds with brilliant green or colloidal sulfur.
There are times when the disease affects only some part of the flower. If the tip remains intact, it is completely cut off and transferred to a new pot. An "incubator" for young seedlings is made from the bottom.
Gray rot
Vivid gray rot symptoms explain why the cactus rot despite proper care. The infection enters the plant through small cracks or damage. As a result, the tissue structure is destroyed. It gradually softens until it turns into a liquid gruel. The outer part of the flower is covered with a bloom of dark gray.
Treatment of a succulent is effective only at the beginning of the process. The affected areas are carefully cut out and sprinkled with crushed activated carbon, sulfur, or the antibacterial drug "Nystatin". If the cactus has turned black, then it's time to say goodbye to it.
Chlorosis and etiolation (light deficiency)
Chlorosis, a non-infectious disease, appears as a result of violations of the rules for caring for a plant.
The main symptoms of chlorosis:
- discoloration of stems;
- yellowness;
- spots of white.
Treatment is carried out using a liquid preparation "Fitoverm". The cactus is treated several times every 4 days. If possible, feed the soil. As a preventive measure, spray with "Antichlorosin". Sometimes growers hammer a nail into the soil. Its gradual "decomposition" will saturate the substrate with iron.
The cause of etiolation is a lack of lighting. As a result, the body of the cactus loses its color saturation. The problem is solved quite simply. The diseased flower is exposed on the windowsill, where the sun shines all day. In winter, artificial lighting is used. Over time, the symptoms disappear and the plant takes on an attractive appearance.
Despite various diseases of cacti and their treatment, most of the thorny "pets" are in wonderful health. Often, infections occur due to improper crop care. And when the symptoms are on the face, it's too late. Let us arm ourselves with knowledge to notice the infection in time and save our favorite plant.