Disease and Pest Control for the Queen Aloe
As a star plant in the succulent world, the Queen Aloe is deeply favored by gardening enthusiasts for its unique spiral shape. However, the most troublesome aspect of its care is the invasion of various diseases and pests, which, if not dealt with promptly, can lead to the death of the plant. This article will systematically analyze the complete solution for disease control in Queen Aloe, helping you to create healthy plants.
Five Typical Disease Types of Queen Aloe
Double Threat of Fungal Diseases
Sclerotium rolfsii will form a white mycelial layer at the base, causing the stem to rot; the (T-J) disease is manifested as brown sunken spots on the leaves. These two diseases spread fastest in high humidity environments at 28-32°C, and special attention should be paid to protection during the rainy season.
Bacterial Infection Crisis
Leaf blight often starts from the tip of the leaf with watery spots, which can spread to the entire leaf within 24 hours. The characteristic of leaf spot disease is yellowed circular spots with strong传染性 (infectivity).
Three Ways of Disease and Pest Transmission
Carrier Transmission Chain
Soil-borne bacteria are the source of 60% of diseases, and pests such as aphids can carry pathogens and transfer them, while splashing water can cause fungal spores to spread more than 2 meters away.
Analysis of Environmental Inducements
When the temperature is greater than 30°C and the air humidity is greater than 75%, the incidence of diseases increases by 300%. Especially during the plum rain season, if it rains continuously for 3 days, the risk of the plant getting sick reaches its peak.
Five-Step Scientific Control Plan
Emergency Treatment Measures
Isolate the sick plant immediately upon discovery, and leave 1cm of healthy tissue when excising the lesion. Tools need to be disinfected with 75% alcohol before each use, and the cut surface should be covered with charcoal powder to form a protective layer.
Proper Use of Pesticides
Manganese-zinc dimethyl dithiocarbamate 800 times solution is used for fungal diseases, spray once a week for 3 weeks in a row; for bacterial diseases, it is recommended to use agricultural streptomycin 2000 times solution, combined with additional potassium fertilizer to enhance resistance.
Key Points of Soil Treatment
When repotting, the old soil must be thoroughly removed and the pot washed with boiling water. The new soil should be mixed in a 4:1 ratio of perlite to peat soil, with a 3cm layer of ceramsite at the bottom to enhance drainage.
Golden Rules of Daily Maintenance
Keep the environment ventilated, install a small circulating fan to make the air flow rate greater than 0.5m/s. In summer, supply water by the immersion method, controlling the substrate moisture between 40%-50%. Applying diatomaceous earth every quarter can form a physical barrier against pests.
By establishing a disease warning mechanism, combined with environmental regulation and scientific medication, the survival rate of Queen Aloe can be increased to over 95%. Remember to check the back of the leaves and the junction of the stems regularly, as these hidden areas are often the initial outbreak areas of diseases.