It buzzes around the houseplant and your plant makes a stunted impression? Don't worry, nematodes can be the solution. The tiny nematodes fight numerous pests on indoor plants without any side effects.
When the yellow sticky notes no longer help, nematodes can help
What are nematodes?
Nematodes are small roundworms that live in the soil. Your body size is only 0.5 mm. For the specific control of pests on indoor plants, they are offered in powder form in small sachets. By feeding on the larvae of the plant pests, the beneficial insects ensure their death. Although they only fight the younger generation and not the adult animals, there is no reproduction in the long run. Once the pests are gone, the nematodes eventually die too. No residue is left on the houseplant.
Note: Nematodes are among the oldest organisms on earth. They can be found in almost every conceivable place. They pose no danger to humans or animals. Pest control with nematodes is therefore completely ecological.
Proper use of nematodes
When using beneficial insects, keep in mind that nematodes are living beings. In order for them to feel comfortable with your houseplant, you must ensure that the individual living conditions are guaranteed. Use the roundworms as follows:
- determine pest
- wait for the right time (season).
- Adapt soil conditions - especially the temperature - to the respective nematode species
- Add nematodes to water according to package directions
- Then pour the loosened roundworms into a watering can
- Moisten the substrate slightly
- Water the houseplant with the nematodes
- only apply early in the morning or late in the evening as nematodes are very sensitive to UV light
- Shake the watering can from time to time as the nematodes sometimes settle on the bottom
- Rinse the substrate again with pure water
- keep potting soil moist for 2 to 3 weeks
- Avoid waterlogging
- Check the success of the treatment with yellow charts or something similar
- Repeat application if necessary
Which pests can be controlled with nematodes?
There are countless different nematode species, each with their own unique diet. Therefore, with the right choice, almost all pests on houseplants can be combated, including:
- fungus gnats
- spider mites
- aphids
- scale insects
- mealybugs
- Mealybug
- thrips
- miner flies