How to easily spot five common pests which could kill your houseplant instantly
Britons are being warned their houseplants could be "swarming" with "harmful" critters, and here are the ones to look out for.
Aphids: RHS gardening expert gives tips for dealing with pests
A spokesperson for Garden Buildings Direct said: “Bugs in houseplants are not only a nuisance, but they also work together to multiply, destroy and kill your plants.
“If you notice critters crawling around one of your carefully tended plants, it is important to treat them immediately to avoid serious damage.
“Common pests which can be found on houseplants include spider mites, white flies and fungus gnats, but there are ways to remove the pests before they wreak complete havoc.
“Looking out for signs of bug infestations and treating them quickly is the best way to tackle them, so ensure you are paying close attention to the condition of the plant.”
1. Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects which resemble pears that can be white, green or black, often clustered on leaves.
Signs of these pests include stunted growth as well as curled, yellowing or wilted leaves.
The pros noted: “Notorious for wreaking havoc, they also attract ants and encourage mould.
“Aphid infestations can be controlled with regular inspection, removing dead leaves and spraying the plant with water and mild dish soap.”
2. Fungus gnats
If a houseplant is turning yellow, has poor growth and is suddenly wilting, it could be infested with fungus gnats.
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These small little black flies can be spotted flying around the plant as well as close to the roots and soil.
To get rid of them, make sure to water the plant less and use sticky traps to catch them.
3. Spider mites
The experts continued: “Spider mites are one of the most common pests for houseplants, and signs of infestation include brown or yellow spots on leaves, webbing around the plant and stunted growth.
“It is important to act fast if mites are detected. Showering the plant with water and wiping the infected leaves will help remove the eggs and mites.”
4. Whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny, heart-shaped insects which can weaken plants by piercing leaves and stems when feeding on them.
They also reproduce very quickly so it’s important to be on the lookout for them often.
The pros noted: “They often appear in the dozens when the plant is moved, and must be treated quickly when spotted or the infestation could spiral out of control.
“They can be treated with sticky traps, water and even by sucking them up with a vacuum.”
5. Thrips
The gardening experts said: “Thrips are straw-coloured insects which eat away at leaves and cause blotchy red discolouration on houseplants.
“They multiply rapidly and infestation can be difficult to control, so it is important to treat and dispose of them quickly.
“Prune infested branches, dispose of any affected plants, and spray with water and insecticidal soap to stop them from spreading to other plants.”