Prevention and Detection of Pests and Diseases for House Plants!


	House Plants Pests and Diseases When bringing outside plants indoors always check for aphids, mites, slugs and snails, mealybugs or scale which will soon infestate other house plants. Pests Aphids are tiny bugs which suck the sap on new growth. Foliage becomes deformed and discolored. Mites suck plant juices and are so small you need a magnifying glass to see them. Look for webs and spots on the underside of leaves. Treat with a warm water bath. Give plants ample space. Slugs and Snails leave silvery streaks on pots and leaves and are voracious plant eaters. Check plants often and remove plant debris. Mealybugs look like specks of cotton fluff and suck plant juices resulting in bud drop and sickly foliage. Use cotton swabs dipped in alcohol and touch the bugs before removing them. Scale look like tiny dots and suck plant juices which results in deformed plants. Wash plants with strong soapsuds. Note: House plants rarely get fungus, however, if spotted, move plants to a less humid location. Diseases The most common problems associated with house plants are usually a result of one of the following: 1. humidity too low or too high 2. improper or extreme temperatures 3. improper feeding 4. drafts 5. too much or not enough light 6. watering with cold water 7. drops of water on leaves and exposed to hot sunshine 8. watering too much or not enough Brown edges on leaves and withered new growth: check watering, temperature and humidity. Yellow lower leaves and drop-off: check fluctuating temperatures, increase humidity, keep evenly moist, check feeding. Wilting, lifeless: pot too small, needs cooler location, more sun or artificial light. Not producing blooms: try more sun, keep evenly moist, reduce fertilizer. Buds drop off: check for fluctuating temperatures, keep out of drafts, use more humidity, mist twice a day. Yellowish, brown, silvery leaf spots: provide more shade. Yellow or white rings and spots on leaves: use only room temperature water, remove from hot sun until completely dry.
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