Pereskia ( Pereskia )

Approximately 15 species of tree-like or shrubby cacti having spiny, fleshy branches. Fleshy, oblong leaves are usually evergreen. Bowl-shaped flowers close at night. Grow in greenhouse ouside of warm, dry climates.


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Characteristics

Cultivar: n/a  
Family: Cactaceae  
Size: Height: 0 ft. to 0 ft.
Width: 0 ft. to 0 ft.  
Plant Category: cacti and other succulents,  
Plant Characteristics:  
Foliage Characteristics:  
Flower Characteristics: showy,  
Flower Color:  
Tolerances:  


Requirements


Bloomtime Range: Mid Spring to Early Fall  
USDA Hardiness Zone: 11 to 11  
AHS Heat Zone: Not defined for this plant  
Light Range: Dappled to Part Sun  
pH Range: Not defined for this plant  
Soil Range: Sand to Sandy Loam  
Water Range: Semi-Arid to Normal  





Plant Care

Fertilizing

Light

Watering

Planting

Problems

Pest : Mealybugs

Small, wingless, dull-white, soft-bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering. They have piercing/sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue. Mealybugs often look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch. They attack a wide range of plants. The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot, then they hang out in colonies and feed. Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop. They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew (coveted by ants) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold.

Prevention and Control: Isolate infested plants from those that are not. Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide/chemical recommendation. Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs.

Pest : Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied, slow-moving insects that suck fluids from plants. Aphids come in many colors, ranging from green to brown to black, and they may have wings. They attack a wide range of plant species causing stunting, deformed leaves and buds. They can transmit harmful plant viruses with their piercing/sucking mouthparts. Aphids, generally, are merely a nuisance, since it takes many of them to cause serious plant damage. However aphids do produce a sweet substance called honeydew (coveted by ants) which can lead to an unattractive black surface growth called sooty mold.

Aphids can increase quickly in numbers and each female can produce up to 250 live nymphs in the course of a month without mating. Aphids often appear when the environment changes - spring & fall. They're often massed at the tips of branches feeding on succulent tissue. Aphids are attracted to the color yellow and will often hitchhike on yellow clothing.

Prevention and Control: Keep weeds to an absolute minimum, especially around desirable plants. On edibles, wash off infected area of plant. Lady bugs and lacewings will feed on aphids in the garden. There are various products - organic and inorganic - that can be used to control aphids. Seek the recommendation of a professional and follow all label procedures to a tee.

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