Alongside aphids, fungus gnats and whiteflies, scale insects are one of the most common pests of houseplants. They mainly infest woody plants, but also orchids and oleanders. You can find out how to combat scale insects and protect your houseplants from these pests here.
Recognizing scale insects on houseplants
Scale insects feed mainly on plant sap and thus extract valuable nutrients from your plants. The small pests excrete the sugar contained in the sap in the form of a sticky secretion. A pest infestation is therefore usually only noticed when the leaves of a houseplant become strangely shiny or sticky. On closer inspection, small, pockmark-like formations are then usually discovered on the shoots and on the underside of the leaves. Orchids are also frequently infested by scale insects. You can recognize this by the fact that the leaves wilt and the flowers are deformed.
Some scale insects also release toxic substances into plants, which can massively impair their growth and even lead to the death of the plant. If you notice an increased number of ants in your home, this could also be an indication of scale insects on your houseplants. The ants love to feed on the so-called honeydew produced by the scale insects.
Which houseplants are particularly frequently affected?
Scale insects spread mainly in winter and spring. If they find a dry, warm climate, they also multiply rapidly. However, they particularly target some houseplants. These include
- orchids
- Oleander
- Ficus
- Palms
- Aralia
- Citrus plants
- Laurel
- Succulents with thick fleshy leaves
However, it is best not to let it get that far in the first place. Healthy and strong plants are much less likely to be infested. With an optimal location and the right care, you can effectively prevent scale insects. Plants over-fertilized with nitrogen are particularly susceptible to scale insects. To strengthen your houseplants, you can spray them with a mixture of garlic, nettle and tansy during the winter months.
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Effectively combating scale insects
If you discover scale insects on your houseplants, it is important to act as quickly as possible. First of all, you should separate the pest-infested plant. If it is only a light infestation, you can simply wipe off the scale insects with a damp cloth or carefully brush them off with an old toothbrush. Check your plant regularly for new infestations and repeat the process. Spraying with water usually does not have the desired effect on scale insects.
Oil as a secret weapon against scale insects
In some plant forums, hobby gardeners recommend combating scale insects with olive oil, orange oil or tea tree oil. You can also try your luck with preparations based on kerosene or rapeseed oil. The oil film suffocates the small pests. Please note, however, that not all plants tolerate oil treatment. Young shoots in particular could turn brown and die. Therefore, find out in advance whether this treatment is suitable for your plant. You will probably not get rid of all the scale insects the first time you spray, so repeat the application after a week.
If the pests are not impressed by this either, the only other option is to use plant protection sticks 🛒 with chemical agents from specialist retailers. Simply insert these into the pot ball. The sticks poison the plant sap, causing the scale insects to die. However, only use the sticks on ornamental plants.
Use these tips to combat scale insects and save the lives of your houseplants. It is best to check your plants regularly for pests so that you can react in good time if the worst comes to the worst.
Source: meinschoenergarten
