scale insects on Echinocereus Engelmannii
Quick answer
If your Echinocereus Engelmannii has scale insects, the most likely cause is: Scale insects are a distinct pest of Echinocereus and other cacti; unlike mealy bugs they are metallic grey and do not produce the typical white waxy meal, sitting flat against the cactus ribs and sucking sap until the surface is scarred and weakened, while exuding honeydew that can promote sooty mould.
Start here:
- 1. Brush affected Echinocereus stems firmly with a soft brush so the dislodged scale insects cannot re-attach themselves and die where they fall, and apply a systemic insecticide recommended for scale because adult scales are almost impervious to most contact pesticides once they have settled.
- 2. Watch the plant for several weeks and treat again as soon as new juvenile crawlers are spotted, since the crawling stage is the only one that is easily killed by chemicals.
Why Echinocereus Engelmannii gets scale insects
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Scale insects are a distinct pest of Echinocereus and other cacti; unlike mealy bugs they are metallic grey and do not produce the typical white waxy meal, sitting flat against the cactus ribs and sucking sap until the surface is scarred and weakened, while exuding honeydew that can promote sooty mould.
How to reverse scale insects on Echinocereus Engelmannii
- 1
Brush affected Echinocereus stems firmly with a soft brush so the dislodged scale insects cannot re-attach themselves and die where they fall, and apply a systemic insecticide recommended for scale because adult scales are almost impervious to most contact pesticides once they have settled.
- 2
Watch the plant for several weeks and treat again as soon as new juvenile crawlers are spotted, since the crawling stage is the only one that is easily killed by chemicals.
Keep scale insects off this Echinocereus Engelmannii
Inspect new Echinocereus plants and any quarantine neighbours regularly because scale insects barely move once they settle, and an attentive grower can catch a fresh infestation before it spreads across the whole cactus.