Ironically, the beautiful roses lose their impressive appearance due to discolored, sticky leaves. The culprits are probably white flies, which are particularly interested in ornamental plants. A massive spread increases the symptoms all the more. Therefore, quick action is required now. Find out here how you can clearly identify the whitefly and which biological measures can be used to combat it.
Roses are very susceptible to pests and diseases
Typical signs
- Black speckled leaves
- White animals on the underside of the leaf
- A flying swarm when touching the roses
- honeydew
- Unusual leaf shedding
Attention: The excreted honeydew promotes, among other things, the development of the sooty mold fungus.
Favorable condition for an infestation
The whitefly affects roses mainly from May to September. The pests don't like the cold. Warm, muggy weather, on the other hand, suits them just fine. If the summer is very rainy, there is an increased risk. You should therefore check your roses more closely if the conditions mentioned occur.
treatment measures
No matter how annoying whiteflies are, you should never use chemical agents. There are many alternative home remedies that do not harm the environment and can even be made easily and inexpensively at home. Always keep in mind that treatment with pesticides would also affect your rose.
home remedies
Yellow boards, for example, are not particularly attractive, but very effective. If you want to avoid treatment measures becoming visible, spray the undersides of the leaves in particular with a self-made plant decoction.
predators
Or you can more or less leave the fight to nature. The parasitic wasp, for example, is a natural enemy of the whitefly. However, it will not cause any damage in your garden. Alternatively, plant herbs like basil near your roses. The intense scent of the plant drives the parasites away.
You should definitely take action against the larvae. Adult whiteflies feed exclusively on plant remains that have already been shed. The hatched generation, on the other hand, sucks the sap from the leaves. Spreading a layer of sand across the substrate will prevent you from breeding again. Also, be sure to remove old plant debris from the soil.