If bugs have been ruining your houseplants, it's time to start looking for some effective ways to eliminate the infestation.
Deepa Kartha
Houseplants are those that are kept indoors and not in the garden, under direct sunlight. These plants are usually kept for decoration purposes, and are available in different sizes and forms. They are known to be very sensitive and any change in the way they have to be taken care of can cause damage to them.
One of the most common danger that they have to face is the attack from bugs. Plants that are not taken care of properly i.e., those that do not get sufficient proper light, fertilizer, and water are likely to get infested with bugs.
Eliminating these pests is crucial to ensure longevity of your plants. Mentioned here are the most effective methods of doing so.
Tips to Keep Bugs in Check
Houseplants are prone to bugs, so checking regularly can prevent damage. The soil and leaves can have cotton like tufts, scaly lesions, tiny webs, sticky residue, etc. based the insect attacked them.
Most people spray pesticides to get rid of the bugs on houseplants. However, though these pesticides are effective, they can cause further damage to the plants. Hence, it is always better to adopt the natural methods to get rid of bugs on plants that are kept indoors.
Spicy Soap
One of the way of getting rid of bugs on houseplants is by applying a mixture of soap and hot peppers on them. To make this mixture, take a hot pepper and blend it with a clove of garlic in a blender. Add a tablespoon of liquid vegetable soap along with 1 ½ cups of water to the blender and blend till the mixture becomes smooth.
Transfer this mixture in a spray bottle and spray it on the plants thoroughly. However, never use this solution on houseplants that have flowers on them as the solution can cause harm to the blooms.
Vinegar
Vinegar which is found in most homes, is a great way of doing away with houseplant bugs. It is one of the most effective ways of killing mold that appear in the soil of the potted plants. Take 2 quarts of water and combine with a tablespoon of vinegar. Spray this solution over the plants every week till they are free of insects.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is also an answer to the problem of bugs on potted plants that are kept indoors. Take several cotton balls and coat them with rubbing alcohol. Rub the leaves, stems, and the underside of the leaves using the cotton balls. However, one must never apply rubbing alcohol on young tender growth and on fresh blooms.
Vegetable Oil Soaps
A solution of vegetable oil soap, and water helps to get rid of insects. Soap suffocates and kills the bugs. To make the solution, take 2 quarts water in a bowl and mix three teaspoons vegetable oil soap. With a sprayer, spray the solution thoroughly on the plant and on the soil. One needs to repeat this process every 2 or 3 days, as it is a mild remedy.
An important point that one must understand is that these home remedies will work only if the infestation is a minor one. In other words, if the bugs have been there on the houseplant for a long time, it would be better to discard it, as these methods may not work on them.
Moreover, it is also important to take proper care of the plants to ensure that they are not attacked by the bugs or insects. Hence, check them frequently for bugs and also, see to it that they get proper light, water, and fertilizers to stay healthy.