It hums, buzzes or crawls - pests on indoor plants are not uncommon. Would you like to know more about the causes and their treatment? Then you will find all the answers to your questions on this page. You will also get an overview of the most common types of pests and learn to distinguish between them based on their symptoms.
Spider mites are common on houseplants
General symptoms of pest infestation on indoor plants
- yellow leaves
- curled leaves
- knobby growths on the leaves
- powdery mildew (white, sticky coating)
- small fruiting bodies on leaves and stem
- soaring flies
- stunted growth
- food marks
- cobweb-like threads
The most common pests of indoor plants
fungus gnats
Fungus gnats are small black flies that float up when you touch the plant. The adult generation can be seen with the naked eye and is extremely annoying. But much worse are the young maggots that live in the substrate of the plant and feed on the roots. As a result, withered plant parts are an indication of an infestation.
For treatment, it is best to dry the plant if it tolerates this measure. Stop watering completely for a few days. Fungus gnats love moist soil and soon lose interest in their chosen habitat. It should also help to cover the bucket with a plastic sheet.
aphids
The well-known honeydew, a mealy, white, sometimes sticky coating on the leaves comes from aphids. The small pests come in numerous colors such as yellow, red, black or green and suck the plant sap from the leaves. They prefer to stay on the underside of the leaf. If the leaves on your plant curl up, an aphid infestation is very likely. Young plants in particular are affected and suffer great damage.
With a small infestation, it already helps to shower off the affected plant. For biological control, prepare a spray of water, soft soap (44.90€) or neem oil. Repeated application is often necessary.
spider mites
Spider mites are known for the fine threads they spin around leaves. What is largely unknown, however, is that not all species make themselves felt in this way. Without the typical symptoms, an infestation usually goes undetected. The consequences for the houseplant are fatal:
- curvature of the leaves
- discoloration of the leaves
- complete leaf shedding
- death of the plant
- Spider mites migrate to neighboring plants
To combat spider mites, first remove all parts of the plant that show the symptoms mentioned. Try to drive away the pests by rinsing the plant with a strong jet of water. Most of the time, however, a handful of animals survive this measure. Experts also advise isolating the plant, putting plastic film over the pot and storing the plant in a separate place for around ten days.
scale insects
Scale insects express themselves by small knobs on the houseplant. Just like aphids, they excrete honeydew and cause the plant to shed its leaves. Fortunately, a small infestation remains quite harmless.
Nevertheless, you should fight the pests: a solution of soft soap and water or pure alcohol can help.