The hibiscus, especially the garden mallow (rose mallow), is often attacked by pests such as aphids, spider mites or whiteflies. With quick action, severe damage to the hibiscus and spreading to neighboring plants can be avoided.
aphids
Especially the fresh shoots on the hibiscus are often victims of entire aphid colonies. The up to 2mm large, light green or black aphids settle on shoots, leaves and flowers and suck off the plant sap there. This leads to dying of shoots, stunted leaves and dropping of unopened flowers.
combat
- Immediately place the indoor hibiscus individually to prevent infestation of neighboring plants
- Collect aphids or shower off with a water jet
- Be sure to also treat the underside of the leaves, as aphids also hide here
- spray the hibiscus dripping wet with soapy water made from 1 tablespoon of soap to 1 liter of water or
- with a nettle infusion made from chopped nettles and water, see tip
- Ladybugs feed on aphids. Therefore collect ladybugs and place them on the infested hibiscus.
- Control with biological agents from the garden center, e.g. Aphid-free from Neudorff or products with neem
- Use of chemical agents whose active ingredients are passed on through the plant. The protection lasts for several weeks.
Prevent
With the Chinese hibiscus, you should ensure there is sufficient humidity and spray the plant regularly. You can plant the garden marshmallow with herbs such as savory, sage, thyme and lavender.
spider mites
Room air that is too dry can lead to an infestation with spider mites. Spider mites are tiny, yellow, orange or red arachnids with 4 pairs of legs that usually attach themselves to the underside of leaves and leave small webs. Affected leaves turn yellow and fall off.
combat
- Rinse with water
- Wipe the leaves with a dish soap solution
- wrap the showered and watered plant in a plastic bag for a few days, the high humidity kills the spider mites
- with insecticides from specialist shops
- with predatory mites
Prevent
The indoor hibiscus should be sprayed regularly to prevent spider mite infestation. The air humidity in the room is increased by regular ventilation.
white flies
Leaves affected by whiteflies die. You can recognize the infestation by the yellowish spots on the leaves. To combat white flies you can use yellow stickers or boards to which the flies stick. Insecticide sticks deliver their active ingredients to the plant and thus fight whiteflies.
tips and tricks
Nettle infusion recipe:
- make a broth of chopped nettles and water in a ratio of 1:9
- Leave in a closed container outside of the home for about 3 days
- Filter and decant into a spray bottle