There aren't many pests that really bother a money tree. If the houseplant is healthy, it can cope well with a light infestation. Only if the infestation is very severe is there a risk that the money tree will die. What to look out for and how to effectively combat pests.

If the money tree loses leaves, pests can be behind it

Signs of pests on the money tree

If the leaves of the penny tree change color or the plant even loses leaves and later also branches, you should always check whether pests have spread. Mealybugs or mealybugs as well as spider mites or red spiders are the most common.

Mealybugs can be recognized by the small white webs that are deposited on the leaves when they are infested. In addition, lice leave behind a sticky substance that, in severe cases, also drips down.

Spider mites can be recognized by the small, very fragile webs that are also found on the undersides of the leaves and the shoots. Small red dots on the leaves can be seen with the naked eye.

This is how you fight mealybugs or mealybugs

Pests cannot be collected by hand. Spray the money tree with a hard jet to remove most of the lice. After that, the plant must dry well so that the roots do not become too moist.

Since you cannot fight mealybugs with soft soapy water, your only option is to purchase the appropriate means in gardening shops.

They are administered as granules, sprays or plant sticks. These agents contain toxins that are carried through the substrate to the leaves and poison the lice when they suck.

Fight spider mites

A shower also helps with spider mites to wash off the pests. There are special insecticides for controlling spider mites, which are used in the same way as those for mealybugs.

Don't stop fighting too soon

You should continue treatment against pests for at least two to three weeks. Otherwise there is a risk that nits will survive the fight and that lice or spider mites will attack the money tree again.

tips

Pests cannot harm a healthy money tree that much. Therefore, make sure that the plant is in a suitable place and is properly cared for.

Category:

Vegetable garden