What's eating my night-blooming cereus?

Night-Blooming Cereus (Selenicereus grandiflorus) is a vigorous climbing cactus grown indoors and in warm gardens. Mealybugs and scale are the most common pests on its long stems. Spider mites attack in dry conditions. Outdoors in warm climates, aphids can cluster on new growth. Good airflow and prompt spot-treatment keep infestations manageable.

White cottony tufts along stems and at joints; yellowing, weakening of affected sections Wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 7–10 days for a month

Flat brown or grey shields attached to stems; yellowing and poor growth around feeding sites Scrape off manually with a soft brush; apply neem oil spray or systemic insecticide for severe infestations

Fine webbing and dry, bronzed patches on stems, especially in low-humidity indoor conditions Increase humidity, rinse stems, then spray with neem oil or a miticide; repeat every 5–7 days

Soft green or black clusters on new growth outdoors; distorted young shoots and sticky honeydew Blast off with a firm jet of water; apply insecticidal soap spray; introduce ladybirds in a garden setting