Disease and Pest Control of Epiphyllum
As a night-blooming beauty under the moonlight, Epiphyllum is deeply loved by horticulture enthusiasts for its unique flowering characteristics. However, during the maintenance process, problems with diseases and pests often cause the flowers to fail before they bloom, leaving the leaves yellow and wilted. This article systematically sorts out the common diseases and pests of Epiphyllum, providing a control plan that is both environmentally friendly and effective, helping you cultivate healthy and robust Epiphyllum plants.
Epiphyllum Pest Control Guide
Strategies for Dealing with Aphid Invasion
When green aphids are found聚集ing on the tender buds, it is recommended to use the early morning physical removal method: Gently brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush dipped in a diluted beer solution (beer:water = 1:5). This can not only remove the insects but also supplement foliar nutrition. In severe cases, a 10% imidacloprid wettable powder formulation can be sprayed at a dilution of 2000 times, paying attention to spray the folds on the back of the leaves.
Comprehensive Control of Red Spider Mites
In dry seasons, the leaves can be washed with warm water at 30℃ regularly (once a week), combined with hanging yellow sticky traps to monitor pest populations. A recommended homemade insect repellent recipe is: 50g dried chili peppers + 30g garlic + 500ml water, boil and filter the solution, after cooling, add 5 drops of detergent to enhance adhesion, and use immediately for best results.
Plan for Eliminating Scale Insects
For the waxy protective layer of adult insects, a toothpick can be dipped in 75% medical alcohol for precise spot-killing. In case of widespread outbreaks, it is recommended to use a 40% Suprafos emulsion at a dilution of 1500 times plus an organic silicone additive for penetrative control, and avoid strong sunlight for 72 hours after application. During winter pruning, thoroughly remove the overwintering eggs on the old branches.
Epiphyllum Disease Management System
Full-process Prevention and Control of (T-J) Disease
Before the rainy season arrives, an 80% mancozeb wettable powder formulation can be used for preventative spraying. Plants that have already been infected should be isolated immediately, cut 2cm of healthy tissue around the lesion, and apply charcoal powder to the wound to prevent secondary infections. Improve ventilation conditions and maintain a relative humidity of ≤70% at night.
Disease and Pest Control of Epiphyllum
Root Rot Rescue Process
When the base of the plant becomes soft, immediately remove it from the pot and check the roots. Keep the white healthy root segments, soak them in a potassium permanganate solution (0.1%) for 30 minutes, and then use coarse sand for re-cutting. The new growing medium should be mixed with 30% perlite and 10% bone meal, and the pot must be sterilized at high temperature.
By establishing a management system that focuses on "prevention first, comprehensive control", combined with regular inspections (recommended to check at dusk on Wednesdays and Sundays), environmental regulation (maintaining a day-night temperature difference of 8-10℃), and scientific medication, the resistance of Epiphyllum to diseases and pests can be significantly improved. Special reminder: Avoid using chemical agents during the bud formation stage and use biological control methods instead (such as releasing ladybugs to control aphids). Follow these maintenance tips to ensure that your Epiphyllum blooms beautifully year after year.