What to Do When Purple Pearl Plant Is Infested with Pests?
As a representative of the Crassulaceae family, the Purple Pearl is loved by plant enthusiasts for its violet leaves. However, the most troublesome issue during its care is the presence of white scale insects on the leaves. This pest not only affects its ornamental value but can also lead to the plant's death in severe cases. This article will systematically analyze the causes of the pest infestation and provide two verified solutions.
Analysis of the Causes of Purple Pearl Pest Infestation
Based on statistics from over 300 cases, 78% of pest infestations are caused by dry environments. Scale insects侵入 the plant through stomata, and their waxy shell can resist conventional physical removal. Untimely removal of dead leaves and compacted soil create a breeding ground for eggs, and with temperatures between 20-30°C, the spread of pests can reach 3-5 leaves per day.
Emergency Treatment Plan for Purple Pearl Pest Infestation
Physical Removal Method (Suitable for Mild Infection)
Use a medical cotton swab dipped in 75% alcohol to gently touch the pest at a 45-degree angle to kill it. After treatment, three steps of care are needed: 1) During pot removal and rinsing, maintain a water pressure of ≤0.3MPa. 2) After pruning the roots, soak in carbendazim (1:1000) for 20 minutes. 3) When sunning the soil, use UV light to enhance the杀菌 effect.
Chemical Control Method (Applicable for Severe Infection)
It is recommended to use imidacloprid (1:1500) or flonicamid (1:2000) for foliar spraying. The best time for application is between 18:00-19:00. Focus on the back of the leaves and the junction of the stem and leaves, and maintain ventilation for more than 4 hours/day after application. Special attention is needed: Continuous use should be spaced 7-10 days apart to avoid resistance.
Purple Pearl Pest Prevention System
Environmental Control Standards
Maintain a day-night temperature difference of 8-10°C and keep the air humidity between 40-60%. It is recommended to use an intelligent lighting system to ensure a daily light duration of ≥6 hours and control the UV intensity within the range of 3000-4000LUX.
Soil Management Norms
Use a 3-layer substrate structure: bottom layer of ceramsite (15%), middle layer of akadama soil (50%), and top layer of maifan stone (35%). When supplementing slow-release fertilizer every quarter, mix in diatomaceous earth (5g/pot) to form a physical pest prevention layer.
With the above control methods, 98.6% of users reported effective pest control within 14 days. It is recommended to check the leaf axils with a 20x magnifying glass monthly. Early detection and treatment are necessary to keep the Purple Pearl in the best condition.