Staff Answer
Aug 12, 2020 - 10:56 AM
There a couple common pests that can attack succulents, particularly if they are indoors or kept too wet. The two usual culprits are mealybugs and aphids. Fortunately, mealybugs and aphids are treated in the same way and there are good, general pest prevention strategies that work for all types of bugs.
PREVENTION
- Keep plants in locations with enough sunlight and airflow for soil to fully dry
- Use pots with drainage holes
- Water deeply and only when the soil is completely dry
- Water in the early morning so that plants aren't sitting in water overnight
- Repot every 1-2 years with gritty, well-draining soil
- Spray affected plants and soil with 50% diluted isopropyl alcohol every day until pests are gone
- Use fans and windows to improve ventilation
- Move containers into sunnier locations
- Reduce watering frequency
- Repot with fresh, well-draining soil
- Top soil with diatomaceous earth
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