After getting rid of a plant that has been infested with scales, can I keep the soil mix that housed the plant?
Though it is possible to sterilize the soil, I really recommend starting with a new, good quality potting soil.
Here are some links to help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/sterilizing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/types-of-potting-soil.htm
How do I know when the scale is dead? I have used vinegar and water and now sprayed rubbing alcohol on the plants, mostly palms and diffenbachia. How do I know when they are dead? Or if that killed them at all? Thanks
It can be difficult to tell if the scale are dead, since some attach themselves to the plant and never move.
Sometimes you can see a color change, they will become lighter in color when they die.
Also you can scape them off easier if they have died.
You can also try the 'squish' test. If still alive they will have moisture in them. This isn't always accurate, as they can still have some moisture after they have died.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm
How to get rid of them?
This article will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/ants-in-houseplants.htm
Hi, I have a couple of indoor plants and I've recently caught many fruit flies, mostly right above the plant but also all over the apartment. I've read that aquarium gravel or sand spread out on the soil of my plants can stop the hatching of the eggs. I was wondering if this in fact helps. Will the sand keep my plants from breathing or damage them in any way? I've attached a photo of the flies I've caught (just to make sure they are fruit flies!) and also the plants I have. I'm also going to use the vinegar trap. Is there anything else I can try?
I would avoid covering the soil with sand or gravel.
Treating the plants with Neem Oil should take care of most insects.
Neem Oil is organic and safe for people and pets.
Here are some articles that will help you.
If you know it is Fruit Fly for sure, a vinegar trap is a good way to help control them.
If it is White Fly, Neem Oil is the best treatment.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-fruit-flies.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/common-bugs-and-pests-on-houseplants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-whiteflies-houseplants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
I asked two yesterday. Instead of hot water to control collembola, would the roots fair well with DME soil (5%) mix? Image is of one 600X. Also Mealy bugs abound. Cheers.
We recommend you remove the old soil and repot your plant with a good quality potting soil. Remove as much of the old soil from around the roots as you can.
Discard the contaminated soil.
These links will help you with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/types-of-potting-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/mealybugs-control.htm
Is there a special way to ensure that houseplants that have "summered" outdoors are pest-free before bringing them indoors for the colder months?
These links will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/acclimate-plants-indoors-winter.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/bring-plants-in-without-bugs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/when-to-bring-plants-indoors.htm
My tree is inside sunroom for the winter. It is full of blooms but the blooms have small black spots (like sprinkled with pepper). Have had it for quite a few years and this is the first time. What do I do?
This might be sooty mold, which is a fungus that grows on the honeydew produced by certain insects:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
Also check your plant carefully to see if the black spots are alive. They could be black aphids, mites, thrips, or other tiny pests.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/homemade-aphid-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-thrips.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/common-mites-affecting-plants.htm