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Cactus/Mold on mesembs?

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Expert: - 4/25/2011


Question
Hi,

I just renewed my mesemb collection with some pleiospilos nelii, in less then a month of having them i watered them once. They seemed fine but now I notices that one of the plants has some mold on the shriveling old leaves. And now I'm afraid that the mold is transferring to the new leaves and will kill the plant. Is there anything I can do to save this plant or is it too late?

Mike

Answer
Dear Mike,

I am not a mesemb expert, but what I'd do is separated the plants from your other plants, brush the leaves with a powdered fungicide and don't water till you can take the old leaves off.  Then, before you do water Id change the soil and put a little fungicide in with it.  The other option is to return them to the folks you bought them from bec. they were most likely infected when you bought them.

Maureen

Cactus

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Maureen

Expertise

I can answer questions regarding the care and propagation of cactus and succulents and would actually group these together as folks often mistake one for the other and often their care is quite different. I also have a cold hardy cactus and succulent garden that has been quite successful. The subject in regard to classification of type is enormous and I wouldn't be able to answer all questions by any means. It is really IMPORTANT TO INCLUDE A PHOTO if at all possible and LET ME KNOW WHERE YOU ARE FROM, especially in terms of climate.

Experience

I have learned by reading books, by trial and error and by consulting with folks with much more knowledge. I have primarily grown C&S for the last 20 years.

Organizations
Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts.

Education/Credentials
No formal training. See experience.

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