Fighting Houseplant Pests
About this time of year, your houseplants may be looking a bit woe-be-gone due to the shorter number of daylight hours and dryer home environments. These conditions put added stress on an otherwise healthy plant, and can result in a rapid deterioration if damaging insects are present.
Sure signs that an invasion is under way are sticky leaves, stripped leaves, or leaves that turn yellow and drop off. With the aid of a magnifying glass, look carefully in the leaf axils for mealy bugs, along the stems and under leaves for scale, under leaves for whiteflies and aphids, and at the terminal shoot area for the webs of the tiny spider mites.
Remove the infected plant, and wash it, preferably with a strong stream of water. This will dislodge many of the insects. Allow the foliage to dry, and then spray the plant wetting both sides of the leaves with an insecticidal soap. These soaps are of low toxicity and can be safely used indoors, however it is important to read the label carefully before applying.
Keep the treated plant isolated from your healthy plants for a few weeks, monitoring it frequently for any recurrence of the pests. And above all remain vigilant, persistence will pay off in the end.
Prairie Yard and Garden is a production of the University of Minnesota, Morris Media Services department for exclusive broadcast on Pioneer Public Television (KWCM) ©1987-2007
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Online Privacy Statement
(none)
/pyg/tips/houseplants/tip_713.shtml
Last updated: Tuesday, February 01, 2005