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Top Questions About Houseplant Pest Control

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Questions About Houseplant Pest Control

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  • Answered by
    AnnsGreeneHaus on
    October 5, 2013
    A.

    You have fungus gnats. They are a true pest. This article discusses them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/fungus-gnats.htm One thing I've learned over the years is that they ♥ wet soil. If you tend to keep your plants on the really moist side, lighten up some on watering. We have the most problem with fg's in the spring with seedlings, and it can be tricky, but by keeping the soil on the dry side of evenly moist usually works best for us.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    February 21, 2014
    Certified Expert
    A.

    There are several things they could be, from mites to aphids to other small pests. You can get rid of them by treating your soil with a pesticide or by replacing the soil in the pot.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    April 13, 2014
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Generally, browning of leaves is a stress-related issue. This article should help with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/what-causes-brown-edges-on-leaves-of-plant.htm The webbing may be an indication of spider mites, which can be treated with neem oil. This article will provide more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    September 27, 2014
    A.

    Red spike can refer to several different plants, so I don't know what you actually have. However, there are a couple of things. First, when you buy a plant, it should not be infested with anything - if you find something wrong with it within a few days of purchase, you should return it to the store for a full refund. In fact, any reputable plant store should guarantee their product for a year.

    Another couple of things I'd like to tell you about - one is that you shouldn't repot plants as soon as you buy them - give them at least 6 months to adjust to a new environment; second, please don't use any kind of 'cide unless you know exactly what you are treating for.

    Good luck and happy gardening.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    December 19, 2014
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Sounds like a spittle bug problem, though it's usually more watery than sticky. They also do little damage to plants and can normally be hosed off. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spittlebug-control.htm

    The stickiness could also be honeydew from another pest - aphids, mealybugs, etc. - in which case neem oil can help, as these pests will quickly reduce the health of the plant. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

    I would recommend hosing the plant down well and then treating it with neem oil.

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    February 27, 2015
    A.

    I will guess that these are scale insects, but please send pictures. You can use this address https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ask-a-question/

    This article tells you about scale insects: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm

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