Pest infestation on houseplants is not always obvious. Many plant lovers risk 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 will clear the ship.
What pests can occur in the substrate of houseplants?
Pests that can nest in the substrate of houseplants include fungus gnat larvae, springtails, lilies and root mites. Home remedies such as coffee grounds, matches, yellow tablets, natural predators, soft soap solutions or wormwood tea are suitable for combating them.
What pests are these?
There are a variety of pests that nest in the potting soil of houseplants. Most commonly it is
- Larvae of the fungus gnat
- Spingtails
- Lily Chicken
- or root mites
Sad gnats
The fungus gnats are clearly visible as small, black flies. What is particularly striking is their tumbling flight. However, the actual damage is caused by the larvae that reside 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 dead parts of plants as food. Only when these are not available do they feed on fresh shoots. Nevertheless, the damage remains relatively minor. However, the jumping movements and the almost tireless activity on the leaves are annoying.
Lily Chicken
This pest is a fiery red beetle that appears in the substrate as white larvae when young. They suck the plant sap out of the leaves, causing them to dry out.
Root mites
Yellowing of the leaves indicates root mites, which also drain the plant of its sap.
Causes
Care errors are often the cause of pest infestation. Weakened defenses of a houseplant make it easy for parasites to multiply in the substrate and cause further damage to the plant. However, the fault does not always lie in your behavior. Plant lovers often bring the pests into the house when they buy potting soil. Even with high-quality products, the occurrence cannot be ruled out.
Measures
Fortunately, pests in the substrate of houseplants can be combated without any chemicals, but with inexpensive home remedies. Suitable examples are:
- Coffee grounds
- Matches
- Yellow boards
- Predators
- Soap solutions
- Wormwood tea
Tip
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.
