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.

For more information and to find out how you can make money growing plants, click HERE

House Plant Pests and Diseases. Part 1

House Plant Pests and Diseases – Part 1
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.
Ants are not necessarily harmful themselves, but they can carry aphids to the softer parts of the plant. Ants are attracted to the honeydew deposited by green fly and can carry these pests from plant to plant. Your local garden centre will have a pesticide in dust form, to control ants on house plants.

Aphid or greenfly is a familiar garden pest that can move indoors. These attack the plant by sucking sap from it and depositing sticky honeydew, which in turn can attract fungus. Leaves, stems and flowers may appear distorted. The aphid’s are not only green, but can also be grey, black or yellow. As soon as you spot this pest spray the plant with pyrethrum or permethrin. If neither of these can be obtained quickly, then use soapy water and repeat spray regularly. Also soak the soil with any of the above. Remove and discard distorted growths.

Leaf Miners often attack Chrysanthemums and Cinerarias by tunnelling through leaves. They leave tell-tale wandering narrow lines, or ‘mines’ and the grubs can usually be spotted if the leaves are examined closely. Remove any affected leaves and spray the plant with a pesticide suitable for grubs.

Mealy Bugs. These are little oval bugs, covered with a white fluffy substance, they are usually found under leaves or on leaf joints. Almost any plant can be attacked causing the plant to wilt and leaves to yellow. Pick of all the bugs that you can with a tooth pick, any nests can be wiped away with soft cotton wool or a fine paintbrush soaked with methylated spirits. Spray all top growth with a suitable pesticide and examine plants regularly for reinfestation.

Red Spider Mites. Distorted and dry looking leaves are a common sign that these tiny mites are present. Look under the leaves for a fine white web. The red or pink pests are difficult to see without a magnifying glass. Prompt action is needed to stop the infestation from spreading. Badly affected leaves should be cut away, then spray the plant with a liquid derris. Repeat after 5 days and again after 10 days.

Scale Insects. These creatures are a yellowish brown colour and can be difficult to detect. They cling to the underside of leaves and are covered with a hard waxy cover. They suck sap from the plant causing it to wither. They also secrete honeydew which in turn can attract ants. Remove by scraping with a tooth pick or the top of a biro pen. Then wash the leaves with soapy water and apply a pesticide.

Thrips or thunder flies suck sap from soft foliage. They move about by jumping and leave black dots on the leaves or white spots on flowers. Remove damaged foliage and spray with liquid derris or suitable pesticide.

Part two covers Weevils, White Flies and Worms, and includes common house plant diseases.


For more information and to find out how you can make money from growing plants, click HERE

Five More, Easy To Grow House Plants

FIVE MORE, EASY TO GROW HOUSE PLANTS
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 your plants suffering from dramatic changes in temperature throughout the course of the day, or night. So a whole new range of plants from across the world can now be successfully grown indoors.
More easy to grow house plants.
Chlorophytum Elatum Variegatum
Otherwise known as ‘Spider Plant’ from South Africa. Grows green and cream leaves up to 15 inches long and makes a striking hanging plant. Will grow in cool or warm rooms, although it prefers a reasonably warm, humid atmosphere. Site in a well lit position with some direct sunshine, however, long periods in direct sunshine may scorch the leaves. Water well during summer, moderately during the rest of the year. Feed in summer, repotting in spring.
Ficus Pumila
Or Creeping Fig is a relative of the rubber plant. A fast growing creeping plant, with its tiny heart shaped leaves, and can look stunning. Likes a cool, shady position. To encourage growth, pinch out the tips. Feed in spring and provide good watering. This plant must never be allowed to dry out.
Impatiens Sultani. Busy Lizzie (Zanzibar).
A very popular flowering plant, perfect for growing in windows. Flowers are bright red, pink or white and are produced through most of the year. Pinch stems to promote bushiness; shoots removed for cuttings will root easily. Fast growing, they like a warm, well lit position. Water well in spring and summer. Keep warm and moist in winter.
Saxifraga Sarmentosa. (Japan)
Often known as mother-of-thousands, Because of its abundant, little plantlets, off-spring. Grows to a maximum 9 inches tall, and looks best in a hanging basket or pot with these long runners hanging down. Leaves are an olive green colour with purple beneath. Small pink flowers appear in summer. Position in a well lit but cool room, out of direct sunshine. Water and feed regularly in summer, don’t allow the pot to stand in water. Reduce watering after flowering keeping the mixture just damp.
Tradescantia Fluminensis. (South America)
Also known as; Wandering Jew. Easy to grow and very popular hanging plant, produces sliver striped leaves with purple underneath. They will grow in cool rooms but need a well lit position. Occasionally feed in summer, water well and frequently spray the leaves. Pinch out shoot tips if plant becomes straggly. These can be used for cuttings and will easily root in water.
To find out how you can earn money from your plant growing hobby click, HERE.

How To Grow House Plants and Make Money

GROWING PLANTS IN YOUR HOME
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 your plants suffering from dramatic changes in temperature throughout the course of the day, or night. So a whole new range of plants from across the world can now be successfully grown indoors.
Many people, of course, live in flats or apartments and have no garden at all to grow plants in. So growing indoor plants for these people provides them with a valuable contact with nature. Of course, people with gardens, large or small, also like to grow plants indoors so they can enjoy the beauty of their plants, even in the midst of winter or when the rain is lashing at the window. Most of us like to have contact with nature, it lifts our spirits, and so by growing plants indoors we can observe and enjoy our plants from the very start, as a cutting or seed, through to its full beauty.
Growing plants in your home does not require a vast amount of time out of your busy lives. Just a little knowledge about the particular plant you choose. Where to site it: In the window, for example, or away from direct sunlight. When to water it, and by how much. Does it require any special plant food? You only need to learn this information once, and then you tend your plant accordingly. All good garden centres, nurseries and florists will gladly provide you with this knowledge when you purchase your chosen plant.
It is a good idea to start with just one or two plants, so that you can properly tend to them. Rather than having too many and not having enough time to fully care for them. As you gain experience, you can add more plants if you find you have time to spare. A plant adds life and interest, and it is now possible to grow plants in almost any room. You can choose bright flowering plants or foliage plants to enhance your decorating scheme. You can have just one in each room or create an arrangement of your own.
You can, of course, add cut flowers to your arrangements or display these separately. However, cut flowers do not have a very long life, whereas a pot-plant will provide interest for months and years to come. Having said that, cut flowers do provide instant colour to your home for a modest outlay.
There is such a wide range of plants to chose from these days and your choice will vary depending on the temperatures in your rooms, a heating system installed in your home, the direction your windows face, available space and of course, your own preference.
Visit your local garden centres or nurseries, with a room and location for your plant in mind. Take your time looking at the varieties on show. If you see one you like, read or ask for information about its care and maintenance. If it is suitable for your home, select one with plenty of buds still to open. This will ensure your plant will continue to bloom once you have it at home. Also look for any damages to your plant before you buy, and examine for pests.
Make sure your plant is suitably protected for the journey home. It has probably spent most of its life thus far, in a greenhouse or warm environment. Try not to expose it to draughts or chills on the way home and for the first few weeks after you get the plant home. Buying your plants in late spring or summer will give them a better chance to settle in before cooler winter temperatures arrive.

To find out how you can earn money from your plant growing hobby click, HERE.