A pest infestation on indoor plants is not always obvious. Many plant lovers run the risk of feeling safe once the critters on the leaves and stem of the plant are eliminated. However, the next generation is still lurking in the substrate. With these measures you clear the boat.
Fungus gnats and other pests that hide in the ground can be easily combated with yellow boards
Which pests are they?
There are a variety of pests that nest in the potting soil of indoor plants. It is most commonly about
- Larvae of the fungus gnat
- springtails
- lily chicken
- or root mites
fungus gnats
Fungus gnats are clearly recognizable as small, black flies. What is particularly striking is their tumbling flight. However, the actual damage is caused by the larvae that live in the substrate. They feed on parts of plants and inevitably lead to their death.
springtails
Springtails are comparatively harmless. As a rule, they prefer already dead plant parts as food. only if these are not available do they eat fresh shoots. Nevertheless, the damage remains rather minor. However, the jumping movements and the almost tireless hustle and bustle on the leaves are annoying.
lily chicken
This pest is a fiery red beetle that appears as white larvae in the substrate when young. They suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to dry up.
root mites
Yellowing of the leaves indicates root mites, which are also sapping the plant's juice.
causes
Mistakes in maintenance are often the cause of pest infestation. Weakened defenses of a houseplant make it easy for the parasites to multiply in the substrate and damage the plant even further.
However, the blame is not always on your behavior. Plant lovers often drag the pests into the house when they buy the potting soil. Even with high-quality products, the occurrence is not excluded.
measures
Fortunately, pests in the substrate of houseplants can be fought without any chemicals, but with inexpensive household remedies. For example:
- coffee grounds
- matches
- yellow boards
- predators
- soft soap solutions
- vermouth tea
tips
In any case, you should repot your houseplant in fresh substrate as soon as you notice a pest infestation. Then rinse the old pot well and, ideally, disinfect the material with pure alcohol from the pharmacy.