Common Houseplant Pests and How to Deal With Them

Did you know that having houseplants can offer many benefits beyond adding some greenery to your home? They can improve air quality and promote your well-being.

However, dealing with pests like aphids, spider mites, fungus gnats, or mealybugs can be frustrating.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your plants healthy and pest-free before it's too late!

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The first step is to identify the problem early on. Look out for sticky residues, discolored leaves, webbing, tiny crawling or flying insects around your plants. Once you know what pest you're dealing with, it's time to take action.

RULE OF (GREEN) THUMB

When bringing your new houseplant home, ALWAYS make sure to check it over for signs of infestation and disease.  

Prevention is key to keeping your houseplants healthy. Provide the best growing conditions possible, avoid overwatering, maintain proper humidity levels, and ensure good airflow to discourage pests.

Regularly check your plants, especially the undersides of leaves and new growth, as pests often hide there. Quarantine any new plants you bring home for a few weeks to ensure they're pest-free before introducing them to your existing collection.

For minor infestations, you can try removing the pests with a soft cloth or a stream of water. You can also introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs or predatory mites, to help control certain pests.

For more severe infestations, consider using organic insecticidal soaps or neem oil, which are effective against a wide range of pests. Test any treatment on a small area before applying it extensively, and follow the product instructions carefully.

RULE OF (GREEN) THUMB

Just because you can’t see any bugs doesn't mean your plant doesn’t have them. Some pests are so small you can’t see them!

Isolate heavily infested plants to prevent the pests from spreading to other healthy plants. Regular maintenance is crucial for long-term pest control. Remove dead leaves and debris from the soil surface, and check your plants regularly, even when they appear healthy, to catch any potential issues early on.

RULE OF (GREEN) THUMB

Even if you don’t think that your plant has any pests it is still worth raking over the top of the soil with a fork as this will bring any eggs to the surface.

With a little bit of love, care, and proactive pest management, you can keep your houseplants thriving and pest-free.

By being vigilant and taking preventative measures, you can create a pest-free haven for your beloved leafy companions. Don't let pests discourage your indoor gardening journey!