Aphid A Major Plant Pest
Many types of insects just love plants, in fact as we all know, plants are a source of food for many insects. So, it’s inevitable that sooner or later if you have plants you’re going to get infestations of some type of plant pest.
There are some simple steps that you can take to greatly decrease the chances of your plants becoming infested.
When re-using pots always be sure to clean them thoroughly with hot water and soap. And, always keep you planting tools clean as well.
Using sterile or pasteurized potting soil can also help prevent insects and diseases. Both have been treated to kill any organisms present in the soil. Remove any dead plants, leaves or flowers as soon as possible, rotting plant matter can quickly attract pests.
Provide proper drainage so that the bottom of the soil and the plants roots aren’t sitting in water. Some parasites, molds and fungus are highly attracted to wet areas and standing water could be an invitation. But, it will also rot the roots and isn’t good for the plant.
Japanese Wax Scale
Watering should always be done early in the day. The earlier the better, but as long as the plant has time to thoroughly dry before evening it’s alright to water them. Both fungi and molds thrive during the night in dark, damp places. And, other insects will take advantage of the dark, wet area for breeding.
Giving your plants a bath now and then can also help to keep them pest free. You can either wipe the plants leaves and stems with a rag and some mild soap in lukewarm or water, or sprits them with soap and water in a spray bottle.
Always inspect any new plants carefully and if you’re plants have been outside for the summer and you’re bringing them indoors inspect them as well for pests. Even a plant that has been hanging or sitting on a porch can quickly attract pests and bringing them indoors can infest any other plant that you have.
With the proper care and fresh air most plants won’t have an insect or disease problem, but there are some plants that are more prone to problems. Inspecting your plants regularly is the best way to ensure that they’re pest free and can live a long healthy life!
Written by Connie Corder for HouseplantsForYou.com, Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved
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By ann marie March 22, 2009 - 10:16 am
I have a corn plant which leaves turn spotted yellow and then turn black.what do you think I should do to stop this from happening?
By CoCo April 2, 2009 - 1:25 am
Hi, I’ve never had a corn plant, but from what I’ve been able to find out, the leaves generally will turn yellow or get yellow spots, then turn dark brown or blackish colored if the plant is watered too much. The corn plants roots are very close to the cane or stem and the root system is very shallow, too much water will quickly rot them.
The leaves turning black is also a good indication of root rot. Even if the soil near the top of the pot feels like it needs water, the soil down inside the pot may still be wet. So, we often think they need water when they really don’t.
If this were my plant, I’d take it out of the pot and examine the roots. If there was any mushy, rotted roots, I’d remove as many of them as I could. If there were a lot of decayed roots, I’d actually remove them and let the plant sit out of the dirt for a couple of hours so the roots can dry a bit. You wouldn’t want to do this in the hot sun, but inside your house or a garage would be fine.
If the roots are rotting and this is the problem, I would re-pot the plant making sure that the pot had a hole for drainage. If you just don’t want to repot right now, you could stick your finger into the soil as far as you can to see if the center near the roots is soaking wet. If it is I’d definitely repot the plant making sure the pot had a hole in the bottom for excess water to drain out of.