What is attacking my snake plant?
Mealybugs and spider mites can infest snake plants, as they do with many houseplants. Your spider plant is attacked by both these pests in a similar manner, sucking their sap from the leaves. Whenever you have a severe infestation, it’d be best if you just started a new plant. Snake plants are sturdy plants that can thrive in almost any environment. On the other hand, snake plant pests can be a nuisance to deal with. But why do pests seem to be attracted to snake plants? Furthermore, how can we get rid of these pests on our snake plant? We’ll find out together.
What is attacking my snake plant? Aphids, scales, spider mites, gnats, and whiteflies are some of the common pests attracted to snake plants. Pest infestation in snake plants is caused by overwatering, high humidity, and poor air circulation. Keep pests at bay by avoiding overwatering, checking regularly for pests, and using organic neem-based pest repellent. Plants that have been infested by those stubborn pests can be cured through proper treatment. Here are the pests and the solutions to saving your snake plant.
Common Bugs In Snake Plant
Here are a few bugs that are commonly attracted to snake plants:
- Scales
- Fungus Gnats
- Spider mites
- Whiteflies
- Aphids
Is It Normal For My Snake Plant To Have Bugs?
There are many factors that can lead to pest infestations. There are several major ones, including:
- A high humidity level
- Poor Ventilation
- Watering too much
High Humidity
Snake plants can suffer from high humidity. First of all, snake plants prefer average humidity levels, and if they have high humidity levels, they need to be monitored regularly. A humid environment is ideal for pests as they need some moisture to survive; hot climates also don’t allow them to live for long. Humidity causes pests to cluster in areas and plants that are high in moisture. High humidity also damages leaves, which yellow and wilt, and gives pests an ideal environment in which to stay for a long time.
Pests Love Overwatered Plants
The soil suffers when you keep overwatering your plants as they do not get the time to dry out. Snake plants do not like staying in the water and can also lead to root rot. Pests are attracted to this condition and will thrive there. As a result of overwatering and pest infestation, the plant will suffer, leaving the owner with no choice but to dispose of it completely. It is necessary to allow the plant to dry out between waterings and keep other cultural conditions balanced. A drainage system plays a crucial role in watering. Pots without proper drainage will keep water in the soil, resulting in soggy soil.
Poor Ventilation
The best environment for snake plants is aerated soil with good airflow all around. What is attacking my snake plant? When plants are kept together or in an area with insufficient airflow, they can attract pests. Root rot will also occur because of fungus and bacteria. The soil will not dry out quickly, which makes it perfect for pests to thrive.
How Do You Get Rid Of Bugs On Snake Plants?
There are a variety of methods to treat snake plants that are infected with pests. To prevent a pest infestation, you should take immediate action. You can choose between organic and chemical pest control methods.
Prune & Isolate
First, you should isolate the plants that are infested from other plants. To eliminate the infested sections and the damaged leaves, prune off the visible parts and discard them. Sanitize your hands as well as the area where the infested plant previously was.
Spray With Plant-Based Miticides
It is possible to apply natural miticides containing plant-based ingredients, which will not damage the plant and treat pests effectively. The spray solution can be used on the entire plant, but it is always a good idea to test it first on a leaf.
Here are some effective sprays to choose from:
- Pyrethrum: Derived naturally from chrysanthemums. Cures insects by attacking their nervous system.
- Cinnamate, a pesticide derived from cinnamon oil, is effective against all stages of pests and is not harmful to plants. You can spray the solution onto the infested plant every three days over the next couple of weeks to rid it of unwanted pests.
- A variety of insects can be treated with neem oil. This natural insect repellent is produced by neem tree seeds. The neem oil must be reapplied regularly to the plant for complete relief.
- Using rosemary oil to deter plant pests is an effective method. The rosemary oil should be diluted with water and sprayed on the plants. It is non-toxic to humans and plants.
DIY Miticide Made With Herbal Tea
Cinnamon tea is an underrated but excellent way to treat pests. Mix 1 tablespoon cinnamon and 1 tablespoon cloves with a quarter cup of water. Add the crushed garlic after the mixture has been boiled and cooled. Pour the tea into a strainer and let it cool. Pour a little dish soap into the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the herbal tea on the plant every three days until it is completely relieved.
Make Good Use Of Household Chemicals
As an alternative to purchasing fancy miticides, you can prepare homemade insecticides from the following items:
- Rubbing alcohol: It is as simple as mixing the alcohol with water, spraying it on your plant or wiping its leaves with it. Make the spray by mixing 1:1 water and alcohol.
- Dish soap solution: A simple way to treat pests is to mix 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap with 1 liter of water and spray it. Spray it with this solution and then wash it with plain water afterward. Repetition is essential to achieve the desired result.
Note: If you plan to use pesticides and insecticides, always read and follow the label instructions.
Shower Your Plant
Wash the plants properly from the undersides of the leaves in room temperature water to get rid of these pests. Be sure to drain the excess water from your plant when you water it. Make sure the plant gets at least six hours of indirect sunlight every day.
Cuts Your Loses May Be An Option
Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. However, suppose those pests persist despite your best efforts. If that’s the case, you might have to remove the infested plants and start over by disinfecting the area where they were kept and thoroughly cleaning them.
Tips To Prevent Bugs On A Snake Plant
- Maintain a healthy environment around the snake plant to avoid pest infestations.
- Humidity and moisture are ideal conditions for pests. Avoid drowning your plant by keeping it hydrated.
- Avoid misting the plant. For pest control, maintain a humidity level of about 40% around the plants.
- Apply miticides to the plants once in a while to build up the plant’s immunity to pests.
- Spray neem oil on affected areas to prevent infection.
- Snake plants should not be overwatered or overfertilized. The plant will be vulnerable to pests, as well as provide a breeding ground for fungi.
- Frequently clean the leaves without keeping them moist. This will keep you from what is attacking my snake plant.