Aphids Quick Overview
| Identification | Normally green but can be black or grey |
| Symptoms | Yellowing and distorted leaves |
| Treatment | Homemade solution, bug control solution |
Have you noticed your house plant with stunted growth or yellowing and distorted leaves despite doing everything you can to try and fix the problem? Check the underside of the plants leaves and you could find the problem… Aphids.
Identification
Aphids are tiny (1/8 inch long), pear shaped pests that can be easily identified by their green colour. They can also be grey or black. They normally arrive in small colonies that can quickly reproduce. Aphids are typically found hidden on the underside of the leaves and mass together in large groups.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of your plants having Aphids are yellowing and distorted leaves. If you’re noticing stunted growth and a black sticky substance on your plant, it’s most likely that your plant could be suffering from aphids. As aphids feed on the plant, they deposit a sticky substance behind that is called “honeydew”. Aphids can also spread viruses to other plants that can be incurable, as well as attract other insects.
Treatment Methods
Natural Methods to get rid of Aphids
If you’ve found out your plant is suffering from a small aphids infestation, you can try hosing the plant down being sure to get the underside of the leaves where they attack most. You might have to follow this method every few days to make sure they’re eliminated completely.
Another method is making a homemade solution. Mix up 1 tablespoon of dishwashing detergent with 1 quart water and mix thoroughly. Spray the plant with the solution making sure you get the underside of the leaves where the aphids hide. The aphids themselves need to be covered with the solution for it to work. One treatment could be enough but it is possible you will have to repeat the method weekly.
Organic Aphid Control Methods
There is a variety of organic insecticides you can use as an immediate solution to your aphid problem that will not harm your indoor plant. Our most recommended organic aphid control method is using the Garden Safes Insecticidal Soap Insect Killer. This kills aphids and other bugs such as mealybugs, mites, leafhoppers, psyllids, scale insects, thrips and whiteflies.
