The balsam apple rarely gets pests. But its thick-fleshed leaves are a favorite meal for scale insects. If an opportunity arises and conditions are optimal, they will colonize the tropical plant and suck out its sap. The damage is inevitable.
The balsam apple has scale insects, what should I do?
IsolateRemove the balsam apple from he althy neighboring plants and start combating the pests immediately to limit the damage. You canremove the lice mechanicallyor use aproven home remedy. Check and optimize the plant's living conditions.
How do I recognize a scale insect infestation?
Scale insects on houseplants mainly sit onundersides of leaves, but can also colonize shoots and leaf axils. They look like small brown dots, butrise like pimples Scale insects secrete honeydew, which appears as a sticky film on the balsam apple.
What is the best way to remove scale insects mechanically?
Scale scale insects can be easily scrapedwith an old toothbrush from the balsam apple (Clusia major, formerly Clusia rosea). However, you must be careful to remove all specimens, otherwise the infestation will soon return to its previous strength. Among the female scale insects are smaller, young scale insects that can easily be overlooked.
Which natural remedies help against scale insects?
Some home remedies and natural plant protection products have proven effective against scale insects on this ornamental tree, for example:
- Wiping solution made from soft soap and a little spirit
- Sprays made from garlic, nettle or tansy
- Preparations with rapeseed oil, paraffin or orange oil
- Tea tree oil (dab pests with it)
Can I rinse scale insects with a jet of water?
This method has proven effective for aphids, but is only of limited use for scale insectsOnlyyoung scale insects can be used with the pressure generated by the leaves are rinsed. Adult specimens attach themselves to the leaf so strongly that they cannot be removed with a jet of water.
How can I prevent scale insect infestation?
Warm and dry air in midsummer, or above the heater in winter, promotes an infestation. Optimize location and care to maintain vitality and resilience of the balsam apple.
- Temperature must be permanently at least 20 °C
- direct sunlight is harmful
- Dehydration and waterlogging must be avoided
- Humidity should be as high as possible
- Spray leaves regularly with low-lime water
- fertilize from April to September
Don't forget to check your balsam apple regularly for pests to nip any infestation in the bud.
Tip
Repeat the control to get all the scale insects
In order to really catch all the scale insects, you have to be very thorough when combating them. Because when spraying, not a single spot should be overlooked. It is also advisable to repeat the treatment about a week later.
