It's buzzing around your houseplant and your plant seems stunted? Don't worry, nematodes can be the solution. The tiny roundworms combat numerous pests on houseplants without any side effects.
How to use nematodes on houseplants?
To use nematodes on houseplants, it is important to identify the pest, choose the appropriate nematode type and time, adjust the temperature and soil conditions and dissolve the nematodes in water according to the instructions and then water the plant.
What are nematodes?
Nematodes are small roundworms that live in the soil. Their height is only 0.5 mm. For the specific control of pests on houseplants, they are available in powder form in small sachets. By feeding on the larvae of the plant pest, the beneficial insects cause it to die. Although they only fight the younger generation and not the adults, reproduction does not occur in the long term. Once the pests are gone, the nematodes ultimately die too. No residue is left on the houseplant.
Note: Nematodes are among the oldest organisms on earth. They can be found in almost every place imaginable. They pose no danger to humans or animals. Pest control with nematodes is therefore completely ecological.
Use nematodes correctly
When using the beneficial insects, take into account that nematodes are living creatures. In order for them to feel comfortable with your houseplant, you must ensure that their individual living conditions are guaranteed. Here's how to insert the nematodes:
- Determine pest
- wait for the appropriate time (season)
- Adapt soil conditions - especially the temperature - to the respective nematode species
- Add nematodes to water according to package instructions
- then fill the dissolved threadworms into a watering can
- Slightly moisten the substrate
- Watering the houseplant with the nematodes
- Apply only early in the morning or late in the evening, as nematodes are very sensitive to UV light
- Shake the watering can occasionally as the nematodes sometimes settle on the bottom
- Water the substrate again with pure water
- keep potting soil moist for 2 to 3 weeks
- Avoid waterlogging
- Check treatment success with yellow plates (€5.00 on Amazon) or similar
- Repeat application if necessary
Which pests can be controlled with nematodes?
There are countless different species of nematodes, each of which has its own unique diet. Therefore, with the right choice, almost all pests on houseplants can be controlled, including:
- Sad gnats
- Spider mites
- Aphids
- Scale insects
- mealybugs
- Mealybugs
- Thrips
- Leather flies
