Aphids on Houseplants

Houseplants can be a decorative asset for a house, however, they are prone to attacks of pests and insects. Aphids are one of those small pests that are a common worry for those fond of gardening. They measure 1/8th of an inch in length and are oval in shape. They are found in colonies on the new, tender parts of plants. Also known as plant lice, these pests have sucking mouth parts, with which they ingest fluids from the new growths on houseplants. Most plant lovers will tell you that aphids on houseplants is a common problem. However, getting rid of aphids on houseplants is not a very difficult task. The key to this endeavor is persistence. Let's have some information about aphids on houseplants.

Aphids on Houseplants – Damage They Cause
Aphids will most commonly cluster in the newly grown parts of a plant. Although the green ones are the most common ones that are seen on indoor plants, there are the red, yellow, gray and black varieties as well. They may be found on the underside of leaves, flower buds and on the young growing tips of a plant. If proper pest control methods are not taken, these small creatures will eat right through the tender parts of your plants and what you will be left with, is only the stump. Other than the obvious damage to the plant, aphids are a cause of another problem, that is ants. Aphids produce a sticky substance called 'honeydew', that is nothing but digested plant juice. Ants are attracted by this honeydew. Initially it would just be the aphids, but then there would be ants on your plants as well. Another problem is the sooty mold for which the honeydew provides a perfect condition. Although it does not cause any immediate problem to the plant, a dense layer of soot on the plant can interfere with the process of photosynthesis with which plants manufacture their food. Know more on aphids on tomato plants.

How to Get Rid of Aphids on Houseplants
There are many ways to get rid of aphids on houseplants, let us see a few of them.

Water
Spray the infected plant parts with water. This should be effective in getting rid of aphids on houseplants. In case it is a delicate plant, avoid subjecting it to a strong jet of water. Instead, if possible, immerse the infected parts in water.

Soaps
Insecticidal soaps are available in the market, that are effective in killing aphids on houseplants. Use the soap as per the instructions on the packet and spray it on the plants. Wait for 30 minutes, then wash the parts on which the soap solution has been sprayed, with water. Alternatively, liquid dish washing soap or laundry soap can also be used. One needs to mix 3 to 4 tablespoons of this soap per gallon of water and spray it on the plant. However, it is best to wash the plant after a soap solution has been sprayed on it, as this prevents damage to the leaves.

Pesticides
Although a strong spray of water may work fine, for more stubborn infections one might have to resort to pesticides. However, the bad news is that many varieties of aphids have become resistant to pesticides.

Biological Means
There are also biological means to control aphids on houseplants. Larvae of aphid predator midge, feed on aphids and other insects on plants. Green lacewings are also general predators that feed on a wide range of insects such as mealybugs and spider mites. They have also been found to be particularly effective in getting rid of aphids on houseplants.

More Options
Spraying the plant with alcohol or neem oil has also been found to effective on treating aphids on houseplants.

Although there are a number of ways of getting rid of aphids on houseplants, one has to be very careful as these pests may resurface on the plant one week after you treated them. It is because the life cycle of aphids is one week long. Repeated treatment may be required every week till you are sure that the pests have been cleared off. Be on the look out for hatching aphid eggs. If you find they are still there on your plant, stick to your regime to treat aphids on houseplants. Persistent effort will surely pay off. Happy gardening!