Aphids on Hibiscus

Hibiscus is the best known tropical flowering shrub in the world. There are so many colors, that come in single as well as double petaled, native and hybrid strains, that one is spoilt for choice. Hibiscus genus includes annual and perennial herbaceous plants, as well as woody shrubs and small trees. They are very popular among gardeners and herbalist tea makers. Their growth requires minimal care and maintenance. Some pruning to train them and pest control among other things is all they need. Among all the pests that infect this plant, aphids on hibiscus plant should be dealt with immediately. Aphids or plant lice are nasty small, soft bodied, plant eating insects. They are extremely destructive in nature and are found on cultivated plants in temperate climates. There are about 4,400 species of aphids, and they may be green, yellow, white, brown, red or black, depending on the species and the plants they feed on.

Whether black aphids on hibiscus, white aphids on hibiscus, or any other color, they all need to be removed from the tree. On the plant you will find the aphids close to the top of the stems and on and around the hibiscus flower buds. They secrete a sticky fluid known as honeydew on the plant parts they infect, promoting the growth of black sooty mold fungus. Aphids feed on hibiscus using their needle like mouth parts, by rupturing vessels that carry water, carbohydrates and proteins, that plants use. This black color should help one easily identify the presence of aphids on hibiscus. Unchecked, aphids can spread quickly, infecting more parts of the plant. The black soot does not let sunlight penetrate through the infected part. Without adequate sunlight, hibiscus plant cannot use its pigment; chlorophyll for the process of photosynthesis. Thereby, depriving it off food and other vital nutrients required for growth. This eventually weakens the plant and kills it, or damages the quality of flowers produced.

How to Get Rid of Aphids on Hibiscus?
There are different ways one can use for killing aphids on hibiscus. They seem to infect the plant more in winters, so, ensure proper sunlight and air circulation for the plants. Aphids curl and yellow the leaves, flower and stems they colonize, so, the first thing that needs to be done is to prune away all affected plant parts, leaves along with the offending insects. If the infestation is severe, try spraying. While purchasing hibiscus from nurseries, check thoroughly for any infected part.

Insecticides meant specifically for aphids should be sprayed straight onto the infected part. Hose it down completely. A strong flush of water will dislodge some and kill some. Make a soapy water solution at home using any hand wash or detergent, and spray it on the aphids. The chemicals present in most detergents will get rid of aphids. As this solution is not harsh to the plants, continue spraying until all aphids have been eliminated. Hibiscus does not tolerate too many insecticides and fertilizers. So don't spray insecticides in excess, it will damage the plant, whereas, over fertilizing the hibiscus will make the plant more susceptible to aphids. Read more on aphids on houseplants.

A chemical known as imidacloprid is also used for getting rid of aphids. It is used as a soil treatment, from where it enters the hibiscus through the roots, and is then circulated within the phloem vessels of the plants. This chemical interferes with the insect's nervous system, by causing a blockage to the stimuli transmission. As a result, aphids die. Before using this chemical, one should study its effects as well, as they are toxic and have the potential for ground and surface water contamination. Read more on caring for hibiscus plants.

Aphids on hibiscus can damage your plant and make your beautiful hibiscus look really sad. So, get rid of them before they travel from one hibiscus to other plants in the vicinity.