House Plant Pests and Diseases. Part 2

House Plant Pests and Diseases – Part 2
by Wolfdave



More and more people are discovering that growing indoor plants is a very satisfying and rewarding hobby. And because the homes in which we now live are lighter, warmer and more or less draught free, than they used to be, there is less chance of house plants suffering from dramatic changes in temperature throughout the course of the day, or night. So a whole new range of indoor plants from across the world can now be successfully grown indoors.
This article focuses on common pests and diseases found on indoor plants.
Weevils. Are leaf chewing beetles about 1” long. They attack plant roots and can quickly destroy the whole root system, particularly those of Cyclamen and Primulas. The plant will show signs of wilting at the top and can occur quite suddenly. Beetle grubs are cream in colour and can usually be seen if the potting mixture is shaken out. Badly damaged plants can not usually be saved, but if you spot the signs early enough, pick of the adult beetles and soak the potting mixture with a pesticide.
White Flies. These can be difficult to control, they are small white insects found on the underside of leaves. They suck sap from the plant and deposit sticky honeydew. The plant will become considerably weakened. You may have to try different types of pesticide, including liquid derris. You will need to spray repeatedly until infestation is under control.
Worms. Not normally a problem with house plants but if you take your plants outside during the summer months, they can get into pots and cause damage. If you suspect damage from earthworms, repot the plant in fresh mixture, taking care to shake of any old mixture from the root ball. To avoid worms getting into your pots whilst outside, raise your plants a couple of inches from the ground, and sit the pot on a piece of tile or other suitable smooth material.
A common disease for house plants is rotting. Rotting is caused by fungi and signs of this will include unhealthy looking leaves and leaves dropping off. Rotting is usually caused by over-watering. All damaged parts should be removed and water the remainder sparingly. If the plant has been infected too much, then take cuttings from any remaining healthy parts and throw the plant away. Mildew will show up as a white powder on the leaves. Once again, this is usually caused by too much water. Remove all affected parts and spray the plant with a fungicide. Keep the plant on the dry side for a while, and then water sparingly.
If the leaves of a plant become pale and growth is spindly, then the most probable cause is that the potting mixture has become exhausted. Too much warmth over winter months can also produce a similar effect. Replace the compost with fresh mixture, place in a lighter position during the growing season, and rest in a cool dry site over winter. If the plant appears not to grow during the summer months, then this is another sign that the potting mixture needs replacing or feeding has been neglected. If leaves appear discoloured, distorted or sticky, examine the plant for pests. Leaves which turn yellow, but do not drop off, indicate the presence of lime in plants, that don’t like lime.
If you are unsure of the potting mixture, the right feed, the required room temperature and position, then ask for advice at your local garden centre.

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