Houseplants – Indoor Garden Pests
There are millions of species that feed on houseplants. But there are a few that are found in almost every area.
The first category of common pests are so small you can’t even see them, though their effects can become obvious: bacteria.
Root rot is a common problem with houseplants that have been overwatered. Some forms of root rot are caused by fungi that grow with excess watering. That excess moisture aids the growth of soil bacteria that are already present and may even be beneficial in limited amounts. But once they grow to a certain colony size, they invade the roots where they are transported upward into the body of the plant and its leaves. That can quickly turn a healthy plant into a dead one.
The phrase ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ applies well here. Simply take care how much water you supply to your plant and when. How much is right, and when it is best to water, varies from one species to another. You’ll need to research the needs of your particular houseplant.
Whiteflies are another common indoor garden pest. They’re easy to identify, with their waxy-looking, white bodies. You’ll often see them flying around the leaves if you shake the plant gently. Aphids look similar, but they don’t display the rapid movement of whiteflies and their bodies are more rounded, especially after they’ve fed on the plant.
Mealybugs are quite different, since they attach themselves to the joint between a branch and leaf stem. The small sacs they create look like wet cotton.
Spider mites are another common pest and can be readily spotted by a close inspection with a magnifying glass if needed. They look like very small spiders and make tiny webs. Often they have yellow bodies (that turn reddish in the Fall) with light black spots, though black mites are also common.
Fungus gnats are yet another pest, though the flying ones are not the major problem for the plant. The larvae that develop from eggs they lay in the soil feed on roots and can harm your plants. You should treat the soil and kill the flying adults, since they will lay more eggs.
All these common pests can typically be taken care of with a commercial insecticide. For fungus gnats and spider mites, neem oil works great. For mealybugs, ladybugs are a biological control method. In many cases, a simple spray of diluted liquid hand dishwashing detergent works very well. To create your own homemade treatment, add about half an ounce to a quart of water and mix well. Spray the plant, making sure to get the underside of leaves as well.
Take care not to overdo the concentration or the spraying frequency. You don’t want to plug the pores of the leaves, since that’s how plants ‘breathe’. They take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen through their pores.
When the weather is hot they close down, making that a good time to spray. Then, when the temperature drops and the bugs are dead, you can spray with water to rinse. Though with the right mixture and spraying routine it isn’t necessary.
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