Their prickly coat does not protect cacti from diseases. Even with loving care, the exotic pieces of jewelry can be affected by various diseases. We have compiled the most common problems with tips for treatment for you here.
Cacti can also get sick
Fungal infections are cactus killer #1
Fungal infections are widespread in the plant kingdom and do not spare cacti either. In the early stages of infestation, there is still a chance of saving the affected cactus or preventing further spread. The following overview names the 3 most common diseases and gives tips for the right course of action:
Focal spot disease (Gloeosporium)
- Symptoms: round, sunken, brown spots with a hard, scaly texture
- Treatment: Cut out damaged areas, dust with charcoal powder, spray with Saprol fungus-free
- Tip: treat all neighboring cacti as well
Fusarium wilt (Fusarium verticillioides and others)
- Symptoms: shoot tips discolored brown, red to violet spore coating on the tissue, signs of wilting
- Treatment: Isolate cactus, repot, spray roots and body with quinosol solution
- Tip: Disinfect the substrate in the oven before using it
Root and stem rot (Phytophtora)
- Symptoms: softened, brown discolored bodies from the base, rotted roots
- Treatment: Cut off the healthy part and root as a head cutting in a dry, mineral substrate
- Tip: dry hibernation and moderate watering in summer effectively prevent the wet rot pathogens
Viral diseases leave only one option open
Growth depression, such as dwarfism or monstrous, unnatural sprouting, suggests viral infection. Such diseases are caused by insect bites or unclean cutting tools. Cure methods are not yet known. We recommend quarantining the cactus at the first suspicion. If the suspicion is confirmed, the plant will be disposed of with household waste.
As an effective preventive measure, we recommend meticulously disinfecting every cutting tool with spirit or alcohol before use. To be on the safe side, wipe the blade down with an alcohol-soaked cloth after each cut.
tips
When cacti suffer from sunburn, many hobby gardeners mistakenly assume it is a disease. As a rule, immediately after clearing out onto the balcony, yellow and brownish spots appear on the epidermis. The cause is the sudden confrontation of the plants with direct sunlight. An 8 to 10-day acclimatization in a semi-shady location prevents this damage.