Identify and Control 7 Common Christmas Cactus Pests | Gardener's Path

Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera spp., is an umbrella term for species and hybrids of epiphytic tropical flora that grow on trees and rocks, under the canopies of South American rainforests.

As houseplants, they are easy to care for, and can be manipulated to bloom each year at a particular time, for many enjoyable holiday seasons.

Our guide to growing Christmas cactus broadly discusses all you need to know for successful cultivation.

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In this article, we introduce seven pests common to Christmas cactus and how to manage them.

Here’s the lineup:

Insects target foliage to satisfy their needs for nourishment and shelter.

Let’s find out which ones may spell trouble for your plant.

A healthy cactus is the least susceptible to pests.

When you provide a location with indirect sunlight, a pot full of organically rich, well-draining potting medium, and water only when the top one to two inches of the soil feel dry, your troubles should be few.

However, bugs are prone to turning up nonetheless.

Sometimes, even with the best care, a poor-quality potting medium harbors insect larvae.

Or pests may hitch a ride indoors on people and pets, plants that summered outdoors, or a breeze passing through an open door or window.

Let’s meet seven common pests. They are not harmful to humans, but all may destroy foliage in the event of a severe, unchecked infestation.

Aphids, Aphidoidea spp., are soft-bodied, sap-sucking bugs that come in from outside. There are numerous species in an array of colors including yellow, green, pink, black, and brown.

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