Common Pests and Warning Signs

Aphids - tiny green insects on leaves and stems

Scale - flaky, white spots on leaves

Mealybugs - tiny white spots on leaves

Spider mites - webs on the underside of leaves; wilting

Treatments

For spider mites, use soap and water to clean the foliage. Do this weekly for about a month. Common dish soap works, but you can also buy organic insecticidal soap.

For mealybugs, scale, and aphids, spray plants with a dilute solution of water and rubbing alcohol.

You can also find organic pesticides at garden centers.

Prevention

Do not buy a plant that has obvious damage to it. If a plant is questionable, don't buy it.

Clean plants after buying them. Rinse smaller plants with water and use a soft cloth to gently wash the leaves and stems of larger plants.

Clean plants about once a month.

Avoid using leaf shine products because they clog stomates and reduce the amount of light a plant can absorb.

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Basic Care - Fertilizing - Pruning

Common Indoor Plants