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Beginner Houseplants: URGENT HELP!! House Plants being EatenALIVE!!

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Forum: Beginner HouseplantsReplies: 4, Views: 44
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50glee
Huntersville, NC

September 20, 2009
10:42 AM

Post #7083969

Just trying my hand at house plants for this winter.

got some pots good potting mix , bought plants.

the plants are browning / dying and I see VERY tiny little insects!

what are these things and how do I make them stop??
(the HOW more important than the what for now . . .)

your advice is urgently needed. these tiny things are killing most of my house plants.
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)

September 20, 2009
10:51 AM

Post #7083986

If you can get a picture of the insects that would be ideal--but if they're too tiny for you to get a photo then you'll need to give a better description--color, approximate size, where on the plant you see them hanging out, etc. Do they sit still, fly around, crawl, etc.

Also, don't necessarily assume that the bugs are what is killing your plant, I would check on watering as well. Insect damage can cause leaves to turn brown and die eventually, but it usually takes some time vs incorrect watering can achieve that effect much more quickly. One possibility that comes to mind for me is that the tiny insects you're seeing are fungus gnats--they tend to be a problem when the soil is kept a bit too wet. The fungus gnat larvae can do some damage to plant roots, but if that's what your bugs are I suspect you're watering too much and the excess water is what's really doing the most damage and the fungus gnats are just along for the ride.
tommyr2006
Poughkeepsie, NY

September 20, 2009
11:33 AM

Post #7084118

Very tiny bugs could be Soil mites or maybe springtails. They probably are not what's causing your problem. These 2 creatures feed on organic matter in the soil. Try Bayer rose and flower spray on them. FOLLOW label directions! Try also letting the top of the soil dry out a bit between waterings.

50glee
Huntersville, NC

September 20, 2009
12:50 PM

Post #7084315

Oh Thank You for your prompt responses! Unfortunately I can barely see these things much less figure how to capture them in a pic to share.

Frantic I found this article. Could this "work"?

"When aphids, whiteflies and other insect pests become a problem in the garden or on your houseplants, don't rush to the market for an expensive spray. Make your own from these kitchen-tested ingredients. Store all garden treatments, such as this, in a capped and labeled bottle in a childproof cabinet.

* 10 garlic cloves
* 1 tablespoon vegetable or mineral oil
* 3 cups hot water
* 1 teaspoon dishwashing soap (not laundry or dishwasher detergent)

1. In a blender, puree the garlic, skin and all, and oil.

2. Strain mixture through a sieve into a quart jar. Add water and dishwashing soap. Cap the jar and shake gently to mix.

3. Decant the mixture into a spray bottle (you can clean and reuse a cleaning product spray bottle). Spray infested plants, making sure to cover both sides of the leaves. Apply every three days for a week to control hatching insect eggs. Repeat as needed after rain or when problems arise."


Could this "work"?
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)

September 20, 2009
01:09 PM

Post #7084355

Can you give us a little better description of the bugs? Do they fly? Crawl? Sit still? And are they on the tops of the leaves, bottoms of the leaves, on the stems, in the soil, etc?

I'd still check your watering, unless you've had these bugs for a long time and haven't done anything about them I still tend to suspect the primary cause of the browning/dying is watering or some other cultural issue.

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