The oleander, which becomes impressive over the years, is one of the most popular ornamental and potted plants - even though the plant, which is native to the Mediterranean climate zone, is classified as quite sensitive in our country. In fact, the flowering shrub not only requires quite intensive care, but is also particularly at risk for a number of diseases and for infestation by various vermin. You can find out which pests are often found on oleanders and what you can do about them in the following article.
What pests occur on oleander and how can you combat them?
The most common pests on oleander include aphids, spider mites, scale insects and mealybugs. Spraying the plant with water helps against aphids, using a high level of humidity against spider mites and using soft soap against scale insects and mealybugs.
Aphids
Aphids can be found on almost every plant. There are only a few plants that avoid these sap-sucking insects. The green, black or yellow animals only live on the soft parts of the oleander, i.e. H. primarily on the inflorescences and young shoots. They damage the plant not only by sucking out the plant sap, but also through their high sugar-containing excretory secretion, the so-called honeydew. These sweet excretions in turn attract ants, but also serve primarily as a food source for sooty mold fungi.
What helps against aphids
The main thing that helps against aphids is showering the oleander with a sharp jet of water. Water mixed with a few splashes of detergent also helps a lot. In the event of a severe infestation, the use of a suitable insecticide is recommended.
Spider mites
Just like aphids, spider mites are not particularly picky about their food plants. However, the tiny little animals are particularly fond of oleanders, which is why spider mite infestations on these bushes are very common. As a rule, the infestation is already very severe when the signs are already visible to the naked eye: then you can see fine, cobweb-like webs on the plant, and the leaves in particular turn silvery. Spider mites only appear when the weather is warm and dry.
What helps against spider mites
High humidity helps very well against spider mites, which is why the oleander should be moistened with water from time to time using a spray bottle, not only if the infestation has already occurred, but also as a preventive measure. Rapeseed oil-based remedies available from specialist retailers are also very effective, although you should particularly treat the undersides of the leaves and repeat the procedure every few days.
Scale and mealybugs
The brown or black scale insects also occur quite frequently on oleander. These are also plant sap-sucking insects that secrete a sticky-sweet secretion. These excretions in turn attract both ants and sooty mold fungi. An infestation with mealybugs, on the other hand, is quite rare, but not unlikely. These plant lice can be recognized by their cottony, white shields.
What helps against scale insects and mealybugs
Plant lice are quite stubborn, but can be easily removed with soft soap. However, mechanical removal is very laborious, especially with larger oleanders. In the case of a severe infestation, in many cases only a strong pruning will help.
Tip
Prevent pest infestation by spraying the oleander regularly and thus ensuring increased air humidity.