31 JAN 2023
How to deal with pests on houseplants
Dealing with pests on houseplants can be a challenge for any indoor gardener, but it's important to address the problem as soon as possible to keep your plants healthy. Here are some tips to help you get rid of pests and keep them from coming back.
1. Inspect your plants regularly: Keep a close eye on your plants and inspect them regularly for signs of pests, such as discolouration, holes in the leaves, or sticky residue on the leaves or surrounding surfaces.
2. Identify the pest: To effectively deal with pests, you must first identify what kind of pest you're dealing with. This can be done by observing their physical appearance, their behaviour, and the damage they cause. Use the bug identifier below to help!
3. Use natural remedies: There are many natural remedies that are effective in getting rid of pests, such as neem oil, soap solutions, or vinegar solutions. These remedies are safe for your plants and won't harm the environment if used responsibly.
4. Isolate infected plants: To prevent the spread of pests, isolate infected plants from healthy ones. This will give you time to treat the infected plants without spreading the problem.
5. Remove infected parts: If your plants have a lot of infected leaves or stems, it's best to remove them to prevent the pests from spreading. Make sure to dispose of these parts properly to prevent the pests from surviving.
6. Keep your indoor garden clean: Keeping your houseplants clean is key to preventing pests from taking hold. This means regularly removing dead leaves and stems, as well as any other debris that might be providing a home for pests.
7. Keep plants healthy: Pests are more likely to take hold when plants are stressed or weakened. To prevent this from happening, make sure your plants are healthy by giving them the right amount of water, light, and nutrients.
8. Grow your plants in the correct soil: Often, the houseplants you buy have been living in a low quality soil for a long time, in environments surrounded by other potentially infected houseplants. It's best to repot into a more suitable, clean compost which is free or pests and will discourage future infestations. To achieve this, repot into a coir compost which will offer your plants a multitude of benefits on top of being pest-free. (FIND OUT MORE HERE)
In conclusion, pests on houseplants can be a nuisance, but by taking preventative measures such as using a coir compost and addressing the problem quickly, you can keep your plants healthy and pest-free. Remember to inspect your plants regularly, identify the pests, use natural remedies, isolate infected plants, remove infected parts, keep your plants clean and healthy. With a little bit of effort and patience, you can enjoy a thriving indoor garden.
