Defenses Against Diseases and Pests (※ indicates effective methods and treatments)

<Diseases>

Blight

The decay progresses from the base of the plant up the stem.

※ Copper and sulpher fungicides are helpful.

Filamentous Fungi

The soil at base of your plant will appear to be covered in threads. These fungi are a type of mold, and as the temperature rises, plants like Lithops are at risk of developing a fungus of this variety and rotting.

※ Prevent with Topsin M, Benlate, or Daconil.

Gray Mold

Gray-brown specks of mold develop and spoil the leaves. This mold grows easily with a lack of sunlight and poor ventilation.

※ Apply Dithane, Daconil, or Benlate.

Powdery Mildew

The surface of the leaves becomes covered in white powder. This can be caused by heat and poor ventilation.

※Apply Ortran C, Saprol EC, or a copper fungicide.

Soft Rot

If you grow a plant weakly, it will decay more easily.

※Prevent this by raising a strong plant with a lot of sunlight and good ventilation.

Sooty Mold

The leaves become dirty as if covered in soot. This fungus clings to the excrement of aphids and scale insects.

※ Apply Karphos EC, horticultural oil or neem oil.

Sunburn

When seedlings that have been weakened by a lack of sunlight are exposed to strong direct sunlight, they discolor.

※ Prevent this by weakening the sunlight with cheesecloth.

<Pests>

Aphids

Aphids multiply rapidly and weaken plants by sucking out their juices.

※ Numerous aphicides are available; a solution of water and dish soap may forestall a need for chemical treatment

Armyworms

These insects come out at night and eat the tender leaves of plants.

※ Prevent this by placing a granular insecticide on the soil.

Cottony Cushion Scale

You will notice these insects wrapped in fluffy cotton right away because they move when touched. They weaken plants by sucking out their juices.

※ Apply Karphos EC to the base of your plant. Neem oil or horticultural oil can also treat scale pests.

Red Spider Mites

These are tiny, red insects that you wouldn’t notice without a magnifying glass. Spider mites suck the juices from plants, so the skin of the plants will turn brown.

※ Apply a mixture of pesticides like chlorobenzilate, Kelthane, and Amitraz.

Root Mealybugs

A white, powdery substance will be attached to the area around the plant’s roots. Wash the roots with water and let them dry in the shade for a few days to eliminate the pests.

※ Prevent this by scattering granular pesticide around the base of the plant.

Scale Insects

These insects appear to wear white seashells on their backs, and weaken plants by sucking out their juices.

※ Rub the insects off with a toothbrush. Apply insecticide and let the plant absorb it.

Slugs

Slugs come out at night and eat the tender parts of plants.

※ Scatter a granular pesticide formulated for slugs on the soil.

Note: The topical and systemic treatments mentioned above include both brand-name chemicals and less hazardous treatments that are available through such companies as Bonide, Monterey and others. Other options include home remedies (dish soap, isopropyl alcohol and so on). When using any preparation or ingredients, always follow the manufacturer’s directions and take appropriate steps to protect yourself from inhaling, ingesting or exposing your skin to these substances.