From the Digest

Plant Care

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Cucumber Beetles

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By Bob Williams – There are two ways that cucumber beetles can damage plants. First are the larvae. They have a very hearty appetite and can devour the roots in a very short time. The adult beetles feed on the leaves of plants. This is where the real damage occurs. When the beetles eat the leaves and stems, the consumption does not really damage the plants. Bacteria wilt causes the damage. …

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Aloe Pests and Diseases

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By Bob Williams – Most succulent collectors (and many non-collectors) have at least aloe. A number of pests and diseases can attack – and damage – these common plants. Scale, aphids, mealy bugs, snout beetles and mites all affect aloes. Diseases such as basal stem rot, aloe rust and sooty mold can also take a toll on aloe plant health. …

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Bugs (and More)

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By Mike Hellmann – This article is meant to help us address “bug” issues with a more holistic strategy to prevent, identify early and deal with what is looking to damage our plants long before the damage is done. Bugs are omnipresent and very opportunistic. They can be suppressed, but not eliminated. …

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Chelinidea vittiger (Cactus Bug) Infestation

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By Jolie Krupnik – This summer in my cold-hardy cactus garden, I noticed flat, white spots on some of the Opuntia humifusa pads, but ignored the signs the plants were in distress. A few months later, I lifted the pads and discovered a multitude of what I now know are Chelinidea vittiger or “cactus bugs.” I am not an expert on these destructive insects, but in my Google searching, I discovered that they only feed …

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Legal Addiction: Growing Adeniums From Seed

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By Pat Cosgrove – HSCSS member Tracy Vymola gave up smoking several years ago. Little did she know that she would be trading one addiction for another: She is now a self-described seedaholic. Although she had been collecting cacti and succulents for years, she found that growing succulents from seed was relaxing and …

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Grafting Cacti

By Eric Driskill – The writings of both Aristotle and Theophrastus demonstrated knowledge of grafting techniques and benefits. Aristotle wrote: “Some trees come into existence by being planted, some from seeds, others spontaneously. Those which are planted are separated either from the root, the stem, the branches or the seed, …

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Fungus Gnats

By Barbara Rengers – This year, I’ve been having problems with fungus gnats. Is this from the area in which I live, the mix I purchased or something else I’ve done? I’m not sure, but I am sure that I will be going after them vigorously. Fungus gnats are little hopping bugs you see when you water. They have black or gray bodies …

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