Pests

Our favorite plants they are very resistant in their places of origin; Not surprisingly, they have to be when they live in a habitat where conditions are rather harsh. Low rainfall and a fauna that is almost always thirsty are its potential enemies; hence they have evolved to the point that many have sharp spines and others blend in (that is, blend into) the environment, as is the case with Lithops.

So when they are seen in a location where conditions are not so harsh, where they can have water and compost whenever they need it, Humans often make various growing mistakes that make succulents have a hard time. And we know that water for example is essential for life, but we make the serious mistake of thinking that the more we give them, the better they will be. Once they may take it, but not two or three.

These problems, which begin as 'small', can become a plague that ends up weakening them. Keep them in the same pot for a long time, water them excessively or not water them properly, pour the dose of fertilizer 'by eye', put them in a location that does not suit them, place sick plants next to them ... Any of these things attract insects that cause pests, such as mealybugs, spider mites or aphids, that will not hesitate to feed on the sap making the situation of cacti, succulents and plants with caudex worse quickly.

In addition, although I can tell you without fear of being wrong that a plant that receives adequate care does not have any problem of this type, we can't forget the mollusks either. Be it snails or slugs. These two during the rainy season come out of hiding and go as fast as they can towards them to eat them. And trust me: they don't care if they're armed with thorns.

Thus, What can we do so that our plants are well protected? Well, there are several things, starting with keeping them healthy. Now, when they have a plague, we will have to know how to identify it and, most importantly, treat it. For all this, and to make it easier for you, In the Pests section you will be able to learn a lot about all the types of insects that cause problems, what are the symptoms and / or damages they do, how to treat them with natural or chemical remedies and how to avoid their appearance.

In this way, it will be easy for you to know what to do as soon as you see that there is something wrong with your collection, because unfortunately if there is a diseased plant and there are others next to it, the latter will soon have symptoms or present damage. That is why it is so important to act as soon as possible by separating the patient from the rest and treating her with products that work so that she recovers quickly.

Whenever you have doubts about the pests that affect succulents, do not hesitate to come to this section in which you will find all the information you are looking for.