If the fresh shoots and blossoms on the hibiscus are suddenly black and sticky and the leaves are stunted, the garden mallow, also known as rose mallow, is infested with aphids. Quick help is needed to get rid of the annoying pests.

Damage from aphids

Aphids feed on plant sap and are responsible for hibiscus flowers drying up, leaves crippling and young shoots dying. In the houseplant, the Chinese hibiscus, too dry air favors aphid infestation. Careful care of the hibiscus therefore includes regular spraying.

identify aphids

Aphids are about 2mm large animals that infest the plant in large numbers. They are usually light green or black and leave a sticky residue on the plants. You can also recognize the aphid infestation by the thin white skin on the flowers and leaves.

First measures

Once you have discovered the annoying mammals, you should remove them quickly so that the hibiscus is not weakened too much. You can shower the aphids with a strong jet of water or collect them with your finger. Aphids like to hide on the underside of the leaves, so the undersides of the leaves must also be treated. If the potted hibiscus is infested, place the plants individually to avoid infesting neighboring plants.

Natural and home remedies for aphids

ladybug

Ladybugs are very popular in the garden because they are real pest controllers. Aphids and spider mites are among the favorite foods of the red-spotted creatures. They can be collected in the garden and placed on infested plants.

Ladybug larvae are now available in specialist shops or via various Internet addresses. Here, however, it must be carefully considered whether controlling aphids justifies a possible plague of ladybirds in the following years.

nettle infusion

For the nettle infusion, chopped nettles are poured over with water in a ratio of about 1:9. The brew should steep in the closed container for 3 days. After filtering, the infusion is filled into a spray bottle and the hibiscus is sprayed dripping wet.

soapy water

From a tablespoon of soap to 1 liter of water, you can easily make soapy water to spray the hibiscus with.

Organic remedies from the garden center

Ready-to-use soap mixtures are available from the garden center. These include Neudosan Blattlausfrei or Neem. These biological agents pose no danger to beneficial insects and bees.

Chemicals

DIY stores and garden centers offer various chemical agents for particularly stubborn aphids. The agents are absorbed by the plant and passed on to the aphids via the plant sap. The effect lasts for several weeks.

Prevention with plants

You can prevent infestation with aphids by surrounding the garden marshmallow with herbs from the start. Lavender, thyme, sage, and savory give off a spicy smell that makes them unpopular with aphids.

tips and tricks

Ladybugs can be found in almost every garden. You can settle the beneficial insects permanently if they find a piece of meadow, high tufts of grass, loose bark and piles of brushwood and leaves to overwinter.

Category:

Vegetable garden