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Glaucous barrel cactus
Ferocactus glaucescens
Glaucous barrel cactus is a striking blue-green cactus with a spherical to slightly columnar shape, capable of growing up to 60 cm in height. Its robust body is adorned with prominent ribs lined with areoles, from which emerge clusters of yellow to white spines, providing defense and reducing water loss. This desert dweller blooms with cream-colored flowers, while its thick flesh thrives under the intense sun, storing precious water to endure long periods of drought.
Hardiness Zones
10 to 13
Care Guide for Glaucous barrel cactus
Feedback
Watering Care
Drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering.
Fertilizing Care
Fertilization once every 2-3 months during the growing season.
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Glaucous barrel cactus
Sunlight
Full sun
Hardiness Zones
10 to 13
Key Facts About Glaucous barrel cactus
Feedback
Attributes of Glaucous barrel cactus
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Plant Height
40 cm
Spread
20 cm
Flower Color
Yellow
Stem Color
Green
Gray
Silver
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Glaucous barrel cactus
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies
Family
Cactuses
Genus
Ferocactus
Species
Glaucous barrel cactus
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Common Pests & Diseases About Glaucous barrel cactus
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Common issues for Glaucous barrel cactus based on 10 million real cases
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Scars
Scars on Glaucous barrel cactus are primarily a physical or cosmetic concern rather than a disease. These scars can affect the cactus's appearance, potentially reducing its value in horticultural markets but rarely impacting the plant’s health significantly.
Plant dried up
The entire plant may dry out due to dieback or normal seasonal dormancy.
Solutions: The solution for a dried out plant depends on the cause, so determine the cause before selecting a treatment method. Adjust your watering: Stick your finger in the soil near the roots. If it feels bone dry or overly saturated, you need to adjust your watering frequency accordingly. Prune back dead foliage: Snip off any brown stems and leaves on the plant to make space for new growth. This encourages the roots to send up fresh stems. Move to a proper environment. This may involve decreasing or increasing sun exposure, depending on the species. Decrease fertilizer applications. If you have applied too much fertilizer, you can repot plants with fresh potting soil. Wait. If your plant has dried out as daylight is decreasing, it is entering dormancy. Decrease watering and wait until the plant resumes growth.
Fire ants
Fire ants gnaw on the roots of plants and are aggressive toward people.
Solutions: Caution: fire ants are venomous and cause painful bites which can be fatal in the case of a rare but significant allergy. Fire ants can be a painful pest to have around for you and your plants. Keeping them under control will ensure comfortable gardening for all. For less severe cases: Physically remove mounds. Dig out and remove entire mounds (remember, they go deeper than they seem). Use citrus oil. Pour citrus oil, which is toxic to fire ants, down their holes. For severe cases: Use ant bait. For a chemical solution, broadcast insecticide bait formulated for fire ants in the area around a mound. Apply the bait during a dry evening so the ants can forage for it at night. Look for products that contain Indoxacarb. Release phorid flies. Introduce or promote beneficial phorid flies to gardens. These parasitic flies attack invasive fire ants. Hire a professional. Some ant baits are only available to professional exterminators. For serious cases of fire ants, consider hiring a professional.
Stem rot
Bacterial infection can cause the stems to become soft and rotten.
Solutions: If the plant is only infected a little, it can sometimes be saved. This mainly applies to houseplants that are grown in pots. Here's what to do. Remove the plant from the pot and gently shake off as much soil as possible. Using pruning tools that have been disinfected, remove any diseased foliage and roots. Be sure the new pot has good drainage holes and wash it with one part bleach and nine parts water to ensure that it is completely clean and sanitized. Dip the plant's roots in fungicide to kill off any remaining fungal spores before potting into the clean growing medium. Only water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry and never let the plant sit in water. For plants that are grown in the ground, it's best just to remove the infected plants and destroy them. Do not plant in the same spot until the soil has been allowed to dry out and has been treated with a fungicide.
Scars
Overview
Symptom
Causes
Treatment
Prevention
Active Period
What is Scars Disease on Glaucous barrel cactus?
Scars on Glaucous barrel cactus are primarily a physical or cosmetic concern rather than a disease. These scars can affect the cactus's appearance, potentially reducing its value in horticultural markets but rarely impacting the plant’s health significantly.
Symptom Analysis
On Glaucous barrel cactus, scars appear as hardened, discolored patches on the skin. These can range from superficial, slight blemishes to deep, pitted marks depending on the cause and severity of the damage.
What Causes Scars Disease on Glaucous barrel cactus?
Physical Damage
Causes include environmental factors such as hail, animal activity, or improper handling during transportation or repotting.
Pest Injury
Insects like cactus beetles can cause wounds that scar as they heal.
How to Treat Scars Disease on Glaucous barrel cactus?
Non pesticide
Proper Handling: Minimize handling and provide adequate spacing between plants to prevent mechanical injuries.
Barrier Protection: Use protective netting or fencing to safeguard from animals and environmental elements.
Pesticide
Insecticide Application: Apply appropriate insecticides following label instructions to manage pest populations that might cause wounds.
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Plant dried up
The entire plant may dry out due to dieback or normal seasonal dormancy.
Symptom Analysis
Your plant has dried out and turned brown. It might be starting to wilt, with no noticeable green around the stems and leaves. Touch the leaves, and they may crinkle under your fingers.
Possible causes of a dried out plant include:
- Not enough water. A lack of water will lead to dry plant tissue.
- Too much water. Watering too much can lead to root rot which makes the plant struggle to take up water. Rotted, mushy roots are a sign of overeating.
- Entering dormancy. As perennial plants enter their resting period known as dormancy, their leaves dry out and may fall off. This happens during decreasing day length.
- Exposure to herbicides and other toxic substances. If a plant is hit with a large dose herbicide or other toxic chemical, the plant will turn brown.
- Too much fertility. An excess of fertilizer can prevent plants from taking up water, leading to drying.
- Improper sun exposure. Just like humans, plants can get sunburn by intense, direct light. Plants can also dry out if they don’t receive enough light.
To determine whether the plant is still alive and can be saved, you can:
- Bend a stem. If the stem is pliable, the plant is still alive. If the stem breaks, the plant is dead.
- Gently scratch the stem with your fingernail for signs of green inside. If your plant is dead, the stem will be brittle and brown throughout.
- Cut the stems back a little bit a time for visible green growth. If none of the stems have visible green growth, the plant is dead.
Solutions
The solution for a dried out plant depends on the cause, so determine the cause before selecting a treatment method.
- Adjust your watering: Stick your finger in the soil near the roots. If it feels bone dry or overly saturated, you need to adjust your watering frequency accordingly.
- Prune back dead foliage: Snip off any brown stems and leaves on the plant to make space for new growth. This encourages the roots to send up fresh stems.
- Move to a proper environment. This may involve decreasing or increasing sun exposure, depending on the species.
- Decrease fertilizer applications. If you have applied too much fertilizer, you can repot plants with fresh potting soil.
- Wait. If your plant has dried out as daylight is decreasing, it is entering dormancy. Decrease watering and wait until the plant resumes growth.
Prevention
Prevention involves providing your plant with the proper environment.
- Provide the proper amount of water. The amount of water depends on a plant’s size, species, and environment. A general rule is to allow soil to dry out between waterings.
- Place plants in the proper environment. Provide the proper hours of sun and temperature for your individual plant.
- Provide proper fertility. Most plants only need to be fertilized once or twice a year; don’t overapply.
- Keep plants free from toxic substances. Keep herbicides and toxic household chemicals away from your plants.
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Fire ants
Fire ants gnaw on the roots of plants and are aggressive toward people.
Overview
Fire ants are a group of ants that are known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings. Some fire ants are native and others are invasive from other countries. Once they reach plants, they climb them and chew away at leaves and flower buds.
Fire ants also kill and eat beneficial insects such as caterpillars, ladybugs, mantis, and native ants. They can be a problem any time temperatures are above freezing, but new infestations are most likely to appear when brought in via contaminated material such as potting soil or mulch, or when insecticides have harmed populations of beneficial insects that would otherwise control populations of fire ants.
They can be difficult to control, especially once populations become large. Plant damage is typically minor, but fire ants can destroy seedlings.
Symptom Analysis
The number one symptom of fire ants is seeing the ants themselves which are red or black in color. Ant mounds in the ground are also signs. Fire ant mounds rarely exceed 46 cm in diameter. If a fire ant mound is disturbed, many fast-moving, aggressive ants will emerge. These ants will bite and then painfully sting.
Even if no ants are visible, their damage might be apparent. Chewed leaf and flower edges might indicate fire ants. Fully eaten seedlings are another sign.
Solutions
Caution: fire ants are venomous and cause painful bites which can be fatal in the case of a rare but significant allergy.
Fire ants can be a painful pest to have around for you and your plants. Keeping them under control will ensure comfortable gardening for all.
For less severe cases:
- Physically remove mounds. Dig out and remove entire mounds (remember, they go deeper than they seem).
- Use citrus oil. Pour citrus oil, which is toxic to fire ants, down their holes.
For severe cases:
- Use ant bait. For a chemical solution, broadcast insecticide bait formulated for fire ants in the area around a mound. Apply the bait during a dry evening so the ants can forage for it at night. Look for products that contain Indoxacarb.
- Release phorid flies. Introduce or promote beneficial phorid flies to gardens. These parasitic flies attack invasive fire ants.
- Hire a professional. Some ant baits are only available to professional exterminators. For serious cases of fire ants, consider hiring a professional.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
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Stem rot
Bacterial infection can cause the stems to become soft and rotten.
Overview
Stem rot is a serious disease and can affect many different types of plants. it can be particularly prevalent when the temperature of the soil is over 16 ℃ and there's a lot of moisture in the soil. This could be from unusually heavy rainfalls or too much irrigation. Once stem rot sets in, it's very difficult to get rid of the disease and most affected plants will have to be discarded. This is especially the case for vegetables, herbs, and other herbaceous plants that have soft stems. This is why it's important to ensure that the soil used for growing these plants is well-drained and that overwatering is avoided. Using good cultural practices also help in curbing these types of fungal diseases.
Symptom Analysis
Plants that have been affected by stem rot will first display a yellowing of the lower leaves. This is followed by obvious wilting and stunted growth.
If the stem of the affected plant is examined closely, there will be some dark discolorations starting near the base and moving upward. If the roots of affected plants are examined, they will appear dark and mushy instead of white and healthy-looking. Eventually, the entire plant will wilt and die.
Disease Cause
Stem rot is caused by a variety of soil-borne fungus pathogens. The type of fungus depends on the species of plant that is affected. Two fungi responsible for stem rot are Rhizoctonia and Fusarium. These fungal pathogens live in soil and migrate to the plant when conditions are optimum. This includes warm, humid weather and excessive soil moisture. Commonly, vegetable seedlings are affected by these fungi.
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is another fungus that causes stem rot in plants. This fungus has a host range of over 350 different species of plants. Plants most susceptible to this fungus include many vegetable varieties such as cucumbers, beans, cilantro, carrots, cabbage, melons, lettuce, peas, onions, tomatoes, pumpkins, and squash. This fungus can produce different symptoms in different species. In some cases, the fungus causes irregular spots on stems and other plant material that appear water-soaked. On other plant species, the fungus appears as dry lesions that grow and girdle the stem of the plant.
The third type of fungus that causes stem rot is Phytophthora capsici. Plants that belong to the cucumber family are most susceptible to this fungal infection. This fungus manifests as water-soaked lesions on the stems that then turn brown and girdle the stem.
All of these fungal pathogens are transmitted to the plant by water splashing from the soil up onto the plant. That's because the fungal spores live in the soil where they wait for the right conditions to infect the plants.
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Distribution of Glaucous barrel cactus
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Distribution Map of Glaucous barrel cactus
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
More Info on Glaucous Barrel Cactus Growth and Care
Feedback
Basic Care Guide
Common Pests & Diseases
Transplant
36-48 inches
Glaucous barrel cactus thrives when transplanted from mid to late spring due to optimal temperature and growth conditions. Choose a sunny, well-drained location. Handle with care to avoid damaging roots; wear gloves to protect against spines.
Transplant Techniques 
Pruning
Early spring, Late winter
A notable member of the cactus family, characterized by its plump, blue-green body and slow growth, glaucous barrel cactus requires minimal pruning. Ideal pruning times are late winter or early spring, just before the growth period commences. Pruning should focus on removing damaged or diseased spines to maintain plant health and aesthetics. This process also helps in shaping the cactus and controlling its size, enhancing both its longevity and decorative appeal.
Pruning techniques 
Propagation
Spring
Glaucous barrel cactus is a robust cactus known for its gray-green, barrel-shaped body and preference for dry environments. To propagate glaucous barrel cactus, seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, ideally a sandy mix, to mimic its natural arid conditions. Sowing seeds during a time when stable temperature can be maintained will promote optimal germination. Maintain minimal moisture to prevent rot but ensure the soil is not completely dry. Germination may take several weeks, requiring patience and careful monitoring.
Propagation Techniques Scars
Scars on Glaucous barrel cactus are primarily a physical or cosmetic concern rather than a disease. These scars can affect the cactus's appearance, potentially reducing its value in horticultural markets but rarely impacting the plant’s health significantly.
Read More
Stem blackening
Stem blackening in Glaucous barrel cactus primarily arises from fungal infections that disrupt normal growth, leading to potential fatality if unmanaged. The disease impacts plant aesthetics and vigour.
Read More
Etiolated stem
Etiolated stem is a condition primarily caused by inadequate light exposure affecting Glaucous barrel cactus. It results in elongated, weak stems, decreased spine density, and discoloration, negatively impacting plant robustness and aesthetics.
Read More
Scale insect
Scale insects infest Glaucous barrel cactus primarily through their sap-sucking behavior, leading to yellowing, deformation, and stunted growth. These pests target succulents, exploiting their stored nutrients, especially during warm, dry conditions.
Read More
Mealybug
Mealybug is a pest that severely affects the Glaucous barrel cactus by sapping its sap, leading to stunted growth and potential plant death if untreated. The plant's surface appears with cotton-like clumps as the primary sign.
Read More
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About
Care Guide
More Info
Pests & Diseases
Distribution
More About How-Tos
Glaucous barrel cactus
Ferocactus glaucescens
Glaucous barrel cactus is a striking blue-green cactus with a spherical to slightly columnar shape, capable of growing up to 60 cm in height. Its robust body is adorned with prominent ribs lined with areoles, from which emerge clusters of yellow to white spines, providing defense and reducing water loss. This desert dweller blooms with cream-colored flowers, while its thick flesh thrives under the intense sun, storing precious water to endure long periods of drought.
Hardiness Zones
10 to 13
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Care Guide for Glaucous barrel cactus
Feedback
Watering Care
Drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering.
Fertilizing Care
Fertilization once every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Ideal Lighting
Full sun
Ideal Temperature
10 to 13
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Key Facts About Glaucous barrel cactus
Feedback
Attributes of Glaucous barrel cactus
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Plant Height
40 cm
Spread
20 cm
Flower Color
Yellow
Stem Color
Green
Gray
Silver
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
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Scientific Classification of Glaucous barrel cactus
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Cactuses Genus
Ferocactus Species
Glaucous barrel cactus 
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Common Pests & Diseases About Glaucous barrel cactus
Feedback
Common issues for Glaucous barrel cactus based on 10 million real cases
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
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Scars
Scars on Glaucous barrel cactus are primarily a physical or cosmetic concern rather than a disease. These scars can affect the cactus's appearance, potentially reducing its value in horticultural markets but rarely impacting the plant’s health significantly.
Learn More About the Scars ![more]()
Plant dried up
The entire plant may dry out due to dieback or normal seasonal dormancy.
Solutions: The solution for a dried out plant depends on the cause, so determine the cause before selecting a treatment method. Adjust your watering: Stick your finger in the soil near the roots. If it feels bone dry or overly saturated, you need to adjust your watering frequency accordingly. Prune back dead foliage: Snip off any brown stems and leaves on the plant to make space for new growth. This encourages the roots to send up fresh stems. Move to a proper environment. This may involve decreasing or increasing sun exposure, depending on the species. Decrease fertilizer applications. If you have applied too much fertilizer, you can repot plants with fresh potting soil. Wait. If your plant has dried out as daylight is decreasing, it is entering dormancy. Decrease watering and wait until the plant resumes growth.
Learn More About the Plant dried up ![more]()
Fire ants
Fire ants gnaw on the roots of plants and are aggressive toward people.
Solutions: Caution: fire ants are venomous and cause painful bites which can be fatal in the case of a rare but significant allergy. Fire ants can be a painful pest to have around for you and your plants. Keeping them under control will ensure comfortable gardening for all. For less severe cases: Physically remove mounds. Dig out and remove entire mounds (remember, they go deeper than they seem). Use citrus oil. Pour citrus oil, which is toxic to fire ants, down their holes. For severe cases: Use ant bait. For a chemical solution, broadcast insecticide bait formulated for fire ants in the area around a mound. Apply the bait during a dry evening so the ants can forage for it at night. Look for products that contain Indoxacarb. Release phorid flies. Introduce or promote beneficial phorid flies to gardens. These parasitic flies attack invasive fire ants. Hire a professional. Some ant baits are only available to professional exterminators. For serious cases of fire ants, consider hiring a professional.
Learn More About the Fire ants ![more]()
Stem rot
Bacterial infection can cause the stems to become soft and rotten.
Solutions: If the plant is only infected a little, it can sometimes be saved. This mainly applies to houseplants that are grown in pots. Here's what to do. Remove the plant from the pot and gently shake off as much soil as possible. Using pruning tools that have been disinfected, remove any diseased foliage and roots. Be sure the new pot has good drainage holes and wash it with one part bleach and nine parts water to ensure that it is completely clean and sanitized. Dip the plant's roots in fungicide to kill off any remaining fungal spores before potting into the clean growing medium. Only water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry and never let the plant sit in water. For plants that are grown in the ground, it's best just to remove the infected plants and destroy them. Do not plant in the same spot until the soil has been allowed to dry out and has been treated with a fungicide.
Learn More About the Stem rot ![more]()
Scars
Overview
Symptom
Causes
Treatment
Prevention
Active Period
What is Scars Disease on Glaucous barrel cactus?
Scars on Glaucous barrel cactus are primarily a physical or cosmetic concern rather than a disease. These scars can affect the cactus's appearance, potentially reducing its value in horticultural markets but rarely impacting the plant’s health significantly.
Symptom Analysis
On Glaucous barrel cactus, scars appear as hardened, discolored patches on the skin. These can range from superficial, slight blemishes to deep, pitted marks depending on the cause and severity of the damage.
What Causes Scars Disease on Glaucous barrel cactus?
Physical Damage
Causes include environmental factors such as hail, animal activity, or improper handling during transportation or repotting.
Pest Injury
Insects like cactus beetles can cause wounds that scar as they heal.
How to Treat Scars Disease on Glaucous barrel cactus?
Non pesticide
Proper Handling: Minimize handling and provide adequate spacing between plants to prevent mechanical injuries.
Barrier Protection: Use protective netting or fencing to safeguard from animals and environmental elements.
Pesticide
Insecticide Application: Apply appropriate insecticides following label instructions to manage pest populations that might cause wounds.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Plant dried up
The entire plant may dry out due to dieback or normal seasonal dormancy.
Symptom Analysis
Your plant has dried out and turned brown. It might be starting to wilt, with no noticeable green around the stems and leaves. Touch the leaves, and they may crinkle under your fingers.
Possible causes of a dried out plant include:
- Not enough water. A lack of water will lead to dry plant tissue.
- Too much water. Watering too much can lead to root rot which makes the plant struggle to take up water. Rotted, mushy roots are a sign of overeating.
- Entering dormancy. As perennial plants enter their resting period known as dormancy, their leaves dry out and may fall off. This happens during decreasing day length.
- Exposure to herbicides and other toxic substances. If a plant is hit with a large dose herbicide or other toxic chemical, the plant will turn brown.
- Too much fertility. An excess of fertilizer can prevent plants from taking up water, leading to drying.
- Improper sun exposure. Just like humans, plants can get sunburn by intense, direct light. Plants can also dry out if they don’t receive enough light.
To determine whether the plant is still alive and can be saved, you can:
- Bend a stem. If the stem is pliable, the plant is still alive. If the stem breaks, the plant is dead.
- Gently scratch the stem with your fingernail for signs of green inside. If your plant is dead, the stem will be brittle and brown throughout.
- Cut the stems back a little bit a time for visible green growth. If none of the stems have visible green growth, the plant is dead.
Solutions
The solution for a dried out plant depends on the cause, so determine the cause before selecting a treatment method.
- Adjust your watering: Stick your finger in the soil near the roots. If it feels bone dry or overly saturated, you need to adjust your watering frequency accordingly.
- Prune back dead foliage: Snip off any brown stems and leaves on the plant to make space for new growth. This encourages the roots to send up fresh stems.
- Move to a proper environment. This may involve decreasing or increasing sun exposure, depending on the species.
- Decrease fertilizer applications. If you have applied too much fertilizer, you can repot plants with fresh potting soil.
- Wait. If your plant has dried out as daylight is decreasing, it is entering dormancy. Decrease watering and wait until the plant resumes growth.
Prevention
Prevention involves providing your plant with the proper environment.
- Provide the proper amount of water. The amount of water depends on a plant’s size, species, and environment. A general rule is to allow soil to dry out between waterings.
- Place plants in the proper environment. Provide the proper hours of sun and temperature for your individual plant.
- Provide proper fertility. Most plants only need to be fertilized once or twice a year; don’t overapply.
- Keep plants free from toxic substances. Keep herbicides and toxic household chemicals away from your plants.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Fire ants
Fire ants gnaw on the roots of plants and are aggressive toward people.
Overview
Fire ants are a group of ants that are known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings. Some fire ants are native and others are invasive from other countries. Once they reach plants, they climb them and chew away at leaves and flower buds.
Fire ants also kill and eat beneficial insects such as caterpillars, ladybugs, mantis, and native ants. They can be a problem any time temperatures are above freezing, but new infestations are most likely to appear when brought in via contaminated material such as potting soil or mulch, or when insecticides have harmed populations of beneficial insects that would otherwise control populations of fire ants.
They can be difficult to control, especially once populations become large. Plant damage is typically minor, but fire ants can destroy seedlings.
Symptom Analysis
The number one symptom of fire ants is seeing the ants themselves which are red or black in color. Ant mounds in the ground are also signs. Fire ant mounds rarely exceed 46 cm in diameter. If a fire ant mound is disturbed, many fast-moving, aggressive ants will emerge. These ants will bite and then painfully sting.
Even if no ants are visible, their damage might be apparent. Chewed leaf and flower edges might indicate fire ants. Fully eaten seedlings are another sign.
Solutions
Caution: fire ants are venomous and cause painful bites which can be fatal in the case of a rare but significant allergy.
Fire ants can be a painful pest to have around for you and your plants. Keeping them under control will ensure comfortable gardening for all.
For less severe cases:
- Physically remove mounds. Dig out and remove entire mounds (remember, they go deeper than they seem).
- Use citrus oil. Pour citrus oil, which is toxic to fire ants, down their holes.
For severe cases:
- Use ant bait. For a chemical solution, broadcast insecticide bait formulated for fire ants in the area around a mound. Apply the bait during a dry evening so the ants can forage for it at night. Look for products that contain Indoxacarb.
- Release phorid flies. Introduce or promote beneficial phorid flies to gardens. These parasitic flies attack invasive fire ants.
- Hire a professional. Some ant baits are only available to professional exterminators. For serious cases of fire ants, consider hiring a professional.
Prevention
Fire ants become more difficult to control as they establish themselves, so try to prevent them or treat them early.
- Monitor new material. Do not bring in any soil or plants from known infested areas, unless if they are "Quarantine Approved." Make sure to check new material for fire ants.
- Apply insecticide. Some warm and humid areas have high fire ants populations. In these areas, spread a granular fire ants insecticide such as Varsity in the spring near gardens to prevent these unwelcome visitors.
- Treat early. Spot treat at the first sight of any fire ants mound, as larger mounds are more difficult to treat.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Stem rot
Bacterial infection can cause the stems to become soft and rotten.
Overview
Stem rot is a serious disease and can affect many different types of plants. it can be particularly prevalent when the temperature of the soil is over 16 ℃ and there's a lot of moisture in the soil. This could be from unusually heavy rainfalls or too much irrigation. Once stem rot sets in, it's very difficult to get rid of the disease and most affected plants will have to be discarded. This is especially the case for vegetables, herbs, and other herbaceous plants that have soft stems. This is why it's important to ensure that the soil used for growing these plants is well-drained and that overwatering is avoided. Using good cultural practices also help in curbing these types of fungal diseases.
Symptom Analysis
Plants that have been affected by stem rot will first display a yellowing of the lower leaves. This is followed by obvious wilting and stunted growth.
If the stem of the affected plant is examined closely, there will be some dark discolorations starting near the base and moving upward. If the roots of affected plants are examined, they will appear dark and mushy instead of white and healthy-looking. Eventually, the entire plant will wilt and die.
Disease Cause
Stem rot is caused by a variety of soil-borne fungus pathogens. The type of fungus depends on the species of plant that is affected. Two fungi responsible for stem rot are Rhizoctonia and Fusarium. These fungal pathogens live in soil and migrate to the plant when conditions are optimum. This includes warm, humid weather and excessive soil moisture. Commonly, vegetable seedlings are affected by these fungi.
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is another fungus that causes stem rot in plants. This fungus has a host range of over 350 different species of plants. Plants most susceptible to this fungus include many vegetable varieties such as cucumbers, beans, cilantro, carrots, cabbage, melons, lettuce, peas, onions, tomatoes, pumpkins, and squash. This fungus can produce different symptoms in different species. In some cases, the fungus causes irregular spots on stems and other plant material that appear water-soaked. On other plant species, the fungus appears as dry lesions that grow and girdle the stem of the plant.
The third type of fungus that causes stem rot is Phytophthora capsici. Plants that belong to the cucumber family are most susceptible to this fungal infection. This fungus manifests as water-soaked lesions on the stems that then turn brown and girdle the stem.
All of these fungal pathogens are transmitted to the plant by water splashing from the soil up onto the plant. That's because the fungal spores live in the soil where they wait for the right conditions to infect the plants.
Solutions
If the plant is only infected a little, it can sometimes be saved. This mainly applies to houseplants that are grown in pots. Here's what to do.
- Remove the plant from the pot and gently shake off as much soil as possible.
- Using pruning tools that have been disinfected, remove any diseased foliage and roots.
- Be sure the new pot has good drainage holes and wash it with one part bleach and nine parts water to ensure that it is completely clean and sanitized.
- Dip the plant's roots in fungicide to kill off any remaining fungal spores before potting into the clean growing medium.
- Only water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry and never let the plant sit in water.
For plants that are grown in the ground, it's best just to remove the infected plants and destroy them. Do not plant in the same spot until the soil has been allowed to dry out and has been treated with a fungicide.
Prevention
For outdoor gardens:
- Raking the garden thoroughly in the springtime will help to cut down on pathogens that may be living in the soil.
- Using a copper fungicide on plants in the springtime will cut down on fungal growth and prevent the spread of infection.
- Placing a heavy layer of mulch on top of the soil will also prevent pathogens from splashing up onto the stems of plants.
- Place plants at the recommended spacing to encourage better air flow between them.
- Water plants at the base instead of overhead to prevent excessive moisture on foliage.
For indoor plants:
- Avoid overwatering houseplants and ensure the roots do not sit in water.
- Make sure that indoor plants receive adequate air circulation and light.
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Distribution of Glaucous barrel cactus
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Distribution Map of Glaucous barrel cactus
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
More Info on Glaucous Barrel Cactus Growth and Care
Basic Care Guide
Common Pests & Diseases
Scars
Scars on Glaucous barrel cactus are primarily a physical or cosmetic concern rather than a disease. These scars can affect the cactus's appearance, potentially reducing its value in horticultural markets but rarely impacting the plant’s health significantly.
Stem blackening
Stem blackening in Glaucous barrel cactus primarily arises from fungal infections that disrupt normal growth, leading to potential fatality if unmanaged. The disease impacts plant aesthetics and vigour.
Etiolated stem
Etiolated stem is a condition primarily caused by inadequate light exposure affecting Glaucous barrel cactus. It results in elongated, weak stems, decreased spine density, and discoloration, negatively impacting plant robustness and aesthetics.
Scale insect
Scale insects infest Glaucous barrel cactus primarily through their sap-sucking behavior, leading to yellowing, deformation, and stunted growth. These pests target succulents, exploiting their stored nutrients, especially during warm, dry conditions.
Mealybug
Mealybug is a pest that severely affects the Glaucous barrel cactus by sapping its sap, leading to stunted growth and potential plant death if untreated. The plant's surface appears with cotton-like clumps as the primary sign.
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