Will these bugs spread to my other plants?

Yes, mealybugs can easily crawl to nearby plants. Move the infected plant away from your collection immediately.

Should I use pesticides?

Try manual removal with alcohol first. If that fails, a gentle insecticidal soap is usually enough to clear them up.

Christmas cactus: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the joints where the leaf segments meet.
Check the undersides of the leaves for small white insects.
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to see if the white spots rub off.

Likely causes

Mealybug infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You see small white cottony masses in the stem joints or along the edges of the leaves.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the pests to kill them on contact. Repeat this every few days until you no longer see any bugs.
New plant introduction
Possible
How to tell: You recently brought home a new plant and placed it near your Christmas Cactus.
What to do: Always quarantine new plants for two weeks before placing them near your other greenery. If you find bugs, treat the infected plant and check your others carefully.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your christmas cactus

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the infestation covers the entire plant and the leaves start to shrivel, you may need to use an insecticidal soap or neem oil treatment.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant clean by wiping the leaves occasionally and inspect the joints whenever you water.

Christmas cactus: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your christmas cactus and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will these bugs spread to my other plants?: Yes, mealybugs can easily crawl to nearby plants. Move the infected plant away from your collection immediately.
Should I use pesticides?: Try manual removal with alcohol first. If that fails, a gentle insecticidal soap is usually enough to clear them up.

Guides to these causes

Mealybugs

What are these white fuzzy spots on my Christmas Cactus?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your christmas cactus?