Pest identification
What's eating my schlumbergera × buckleyi?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses in stem joints and at soil surface; segments shrivel and fall; plants fail to bud
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate the plant immediately
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or yellowish waxy bumps on flattened stem segments; honeydew and sooty mold accumulate
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water; apply horticultural oil; repeat after two weeks
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae chew fine roots, worsening nutrient uptake; adults are a nuisance around the plant
Control: Allow soil to dry between waterings; apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) drench; use yellow sticky traps to monitor adults
Keep schlumbergera × buckleyi pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Schlumbergera × buckleyi pests — FAQ
What is eating my schlumbergera × buckleyi?
Schlumbergera × buckleyi (Christmas cactus) is an epiphytic cactus grown indoors and is most troubled by fungus gnats, mealybugs, and scale insects. Overwatering encourages fungus gnats and root rot. Mealybugs hiding in stem segment joints are the most disruptive pest, weakening plants ahead of flowering.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on schlumbergera × buckleyi?
White cottony masses in stem joints and at soil surface; segments shrivel and fall; plants fail to bud Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate the plant immediately
How do I get rid of scale insects on schlumbergera × buckleyi?
Brown or yellowish waxy bumps on flattened stem segments; honeydew and sooty mold accumulate Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water; apply horticultural oil; repeat after two weeks
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on schlumbergera × buckleyi?
Larvae chew fine roots, worsening nutrient uptake; adults are a nuisance around the plant Allow soil to dry between waterings; apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) drench; use yellow sticky traps to monitor adults