Peyote cacti, while resilient, can sometimes fall prey to diseases and pests that can damage or even kill them if left untreated. In this post, I'll cover a few of the most common problems and how to treat and prevent them to keep your cacti happy and healthy.
1. Rust Fungus
Rust fungus is a common issue with peyote, appearing as orange or brown spots on the surface of the cactus. Over time, these spots can spread, weakening the cactus and causing long-term damage if not treated promptly.
How to Treat Rust Fungus:
- Apply sulfur fungicide powder to all affected areas using a small paint brush, ensuring good coverage.
- Reapply as needed.
2. Rot
Rot is another common issue, usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. It can be identified by soft, mushy areas on the cactus, often with discoloration. Rot can affect the roots or the body of the cactus.
How to Treat Rot:
- Uproot the cactus and carefully inspect the roots for any rot.
- Use a sterilized knife to remove all affected, rotting parts of the cactus and roots.
- Leave the cactus out for a few days to allow the cuts to dry out and form a callus before replanting in fresh soil.
Prevention Tips for Fungus and Rot:
To prevent both rust fungus and rot, follow these simple guidelines:
- Use a high-quality, well-draining, cactus-specific soil.
- Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
- Keep your grow space at a humidity level between 40-60%.
- Use unglazed terracotta or clay pots that contain drainage holes.
- Keep temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with 80 degrees Fahrenheit being ideal. Warmer temperatures encourage the growth of fungus.
- Constantly monitor the health of your peyote and treat fungus and rot promptly to avoid severe damage to your cactus.
3. Thrips
Thrips are tiny, slender, white insects that look like small grains of rice. They damage your peyote by feeding on the plant's surface. Thrips can be particularly troublesome in hot, dry environments.
How to Treat Thrips:
- Isolate the infected cactus from healthy ones to prevent the thrips from spreading.
- Manually kill thrips by using a Q-tip or small paintbrush or forcefully remove the thrips from the cactus with water using a spray bottle.
- Repeat this process a few times a day until you no longer see any thrips.
- Use these methods instead of using pesticides, as chemicals may damage your peyote.
4. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny red bugs that may be hard to see with the naked eye. These pests are highly destructive and can spread quickly if left unchecked.
How to Identify Spider Mites:
- You may notice small webs and or callousing across the surface of the cactus.
- Upon closer inspection, using a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe, tiny red mites will be visible moving across the surface of the cactus.
How to Treat Spider Mites:
- Isolate the infected cactus from healthy plants to prevent the mites from spreading.
- Spray a miticide on the entire surface of the cactus, following the directions on the product label for re-application.
- While miticide may cause mild damage to the cactus, it is far less harmful than leaving spider mites untreated.
5. Bugs in the Soil
Soil pests can include various insects, such as fungus gnats, which can damage your cactus roots and inhibit growth.
How to Treat Soil Bugs:
- Uproot the cactus and thoroughly wash the roots to remove any insects or larvae.
- Discard the old soil and replant the cactus in fresh soil.
Preventing Pests in Your Peyote Garden:
Pest prevention is the best defense against infestations. Here are a few tips to help you avoid problems:
- Keep screens on your windows to prevent bugs from entering your grow space.
- Avoid visiting homes or spaces with known pest issues before entering your growing area.
- Quarantine any new plants you bring home for a few weeks to ensure they are pest-free before introducing them to your collection.
- Avoid overly moist soil conditions by watering only once the soil has completely dried and using pots with proper drainage.
- Add a thin 1/4 inch layer of coarse sand or small stones to the top of your soil to prevent bugs from living in the soil.
- Constantly monitor your peyote for pests and treat them promptly to avoid severe damage to your cactus.
By staying vigilant and following these treatment and prevention strategies, you can keep your peyote cacti healthy and free from the most common pests and diseases. Happy growing!