Knowledgebase

Hi.  I inherited this ... #226716

Asked February 04, 2015, 7:12 PM EST

Hi.  I inherited this lovely plant from my mother who died a year ago.  In the last three years of her life she was in and out of the hospital.  Unfortunately this plant suffered too - I didn't always get there to water it, and sometimes probably left it to sit in water because I was just too rushed.  The plant has had this appearance for almost two years.  It has not bloomed in at least two years as far as I can recall.  Recently, I've noticed exceedingly small little insects on top of the soil.  I've only seen them because I had peered in there when I watered it to watch for any strange movement.  They're only a few of these and seem to want to hide back in the soil once disturbed. I have looked with a magnifying glass and cannot tell you what their body looks like, but it does appear that they have silver wings.  Again - there's only a very few.  So I don't know if the plants sickly appearance and these insects are related, but that's all I can tell you to diagnose the problem.  Also, I just pulled the plant out of it's pot and didn't notice anything unusual but I did not go exploring to see the roots.  I just popped it out and then put it right back in.  The soil did seem moist and rather unremarkable in appearance.  Can you please tell me what, if anything, I can do to save this plant which my mom loved so much?  Thanks very much.

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for your question regarding your mother's Christmas cactus (schlumbergera bridgsii). It does look like there could be disease or insects. Christmas cactus can get blight and viruses. It is difficult to fully diagnose. Suggested treatments are to cut off plant parts that look infected, replace soil and practice appropriate watering practices. Another option is to start a new plant with healthy portions of the plant. It appears from the picture that the newer shoots are healthy. To root these place in new cacti soil. I would recommend both trying to repot the established plant as well start some new plants. I have attached a link below that shows pests and treatment. http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/houseplant-insect-control/
Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied February 08, 2015, 12:18 PM EST

Loading ...