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Cacti & Succulents

Identification plus how can I save this plant!

7 years ago

Hi,
I've just inherited this plant that's been a bit neglected for a while. It's awfully leggy, and the leaves are giving off a sticky substance.
It would be wonderful if anyone could tell me what plant this is and what I should do to try and save it!
Many thanks,
Jess

Comments (5)

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana.

It looks like it has scale - the black bumps on the stems? That would also explain the sticky substance - otherwise there is no reason for it.

If there are lots of bugs, maybe plant should be thrown away. It could be 'cleaned' of bugs, but depending how badly it is infested it may not be worth it.

Another suggestion would be to take few healthy (if any-without bugs) stem cuttings and root them to grow new plants. It also grows new plants from leaves very easily, so that could be another possibility to get new plants.
Jessica Davies thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
Pagan
7 years ago
I second everything Rina said. Also, make sure you isolate the cuttings if you have other plants. I have dealt with scales to the point where I was convinced only chemical warfare would have worked. So I gave it a final spray of neem oil then wrapped the thing up in a plastic grocery bag and tossed it in the garbage--plant, pot, soil and all. I don't think there is any plant pest I hate more.

Pagan
Jessica Davies thanked Pagan
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Jessica Davies
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the advice both. The scales are very obvious now you mention them! This is going into quarantine, if not the garbage, immediately!
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
7 years ago
Quarantine is not enough if you decided to keep it - scale needs to go or it will spread even more, and fast.
ewwmayo
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
If you go for pesticides beyond alcohol, I recommend some reading up here:

[Pesticide Insights for Succulents[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/insecticide-pesticide-insights-dsvw-vd~3742440)

Neem oil and other pesticides are toxic to Kalanchoe, so watch out.

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