Indoor plants offer a very easy and comparatively low-cost alternative to the gardening done in outdoor, which is very helpful for the dwellers of the apartment. Usually, taking care of indoor plants does not involve all of the hassles. Though, you will still find it difficult to battle against the insects or bugs that may harm your indoor plants.

So here are some steps through which you can prevent your indoor plants:

  1. Choose the Indoor Plants which will Easily Adapt to the Light Conditions

The first and foremost step in avoiding bugs actually arises at the time of choosing the plants. And it is highly recommended to choose them wisely.

  • Make sure that each of the indoor plants is very well suited to the available amount of light i.e. the light which it will receive in those positions.
  • The reason for this is that almost all of the plants which are kept in unfavorable sunlight conditions are prone to stress, which makes them even more prone to the infestation of the insects.
  1. Make Sure that Your Plants are Kept in Sterile Soil

While fungus, bacteria, and bugs are a vital component of soil health of outdoor, indoor is much better planted in the potting mix which is bought from the store, which will usually be sterile.

  • If you will use garden soil then it can introduce the larvae of bugs into your indoor plants.
  • Also, include a layer of drainage of gravel at the indoor plant pot’s bottom. This will help not allow the roots to become saturated otherwise it can result in bugs attack.
  1. Clean Your Indoor Plants on a Daily Basis

The dust buildup on the leaves of your indoor plant usually contains some compounds which are organic in nature (like pet hair or skin cells) that bugs can feed on.

  • In addition to this, bugs like mites usually flourish in layers of dust and therefore they will be less likely to grow on a dust-free plant.
  • Large-sized indoor plant leaves can be easily wiped with a rag (moistened).
  • Use it as a nonabrasive cloth as you can easily find; some microfiber cloths work very well for this task.
  • Plants having many small-sized leaves can be easily picked up and then submerged into a sink which is full of lukewarm, and some water (slightly soapy).
  • Swish all of the leaves around just a bit and thereafter turn the indoor plant right side up in order to let it dry.
  1. Inspect the Indoor Plants on a Daily Basis for Bug Damage

Although this may sound very obvious, in reality, most of the bug infestations can dwindle if you keep monitoring your indoor plants closely enough in order to catch some early signs.

  • Speckled, mottled, discolored, and some leaves which are chewed up can indicate the activity of bugs.
  1. Control the Present Bug Infestations Also

Even if you have taken the above mentioned precautionary steps, you can still see some bugs in your indoor plants. There are various methods that you can apply to remove and eliminate bugs.

  • Some sticky traps can also be used in order to control the infestations of flying insects. These traps are generally yellow in color and they can be hung close to the plant which is infested.
  • The pruning process can also help to control isolated bug infestations.
  • If you see that most of the bugs are accumulated on some leaves of the plant, then prune those leaves away and discard them.
  • Wash the small-sized bugs away with water (soapy).
  • Small-sized bugs like mealy-bugs and aphids can be removed through rubbing the leaves of the plant with the help of a moistened cloth (with soapy water).
  1. Remember when to Give up on a Plant which is Infested

There will be a stage when despite keeping the above precautions; your plant will be infested with bugs. It will be almost impossible for you to remove those bugs and restore the plants’ health. So, in severe cases, throw the whole plant away otherwise the bugs present in that plant can infect other plants also.

TIPS

  • Lavender can also help in keeping the bugs away from plants.
  • Provide sufficient sunlight to your indoor plant to avoid most of the bugs.

How do you keep bugs out of house plants?

Best ways to prevent houseplant pest infestation
  1. Inspect a plant before you buy it.
  2. Use clean pots and potting soil.
  3. Remove any potential pests from the actual soil ball of the plant.
  4. Isolate your plant from other plants for a few days to a couple weeks.
  5. Don’t let other plant’s leaves touch the leaves of your new plant.

Does vinegar eliminate bugs on plants?

Nix Plant Pests

A 50-50 white vinegar and water solution repels insects such as midge flies. You can use it on plants and surfaces, such as patio tables and outdoor bar counters. Because of its acidity, always dilute white vinegar before spraying it on plants. Straight vinegar may damage or kill plants.

Is soapy water bad for plants?

Soaps and detergents are toxic to plants. A strong solution of soapy water sprayed onto foliage can disintegrate the leaves’ waxy coating, resulting in water loss and the eventual dehydration death of the plant.

Is vinegar good for plants?

Though vinegar can be fatal to many common plants, others, like rhododendrons, hydrangeas and gardenias, thrive on acidity which makes a bit of vinegar the best pick-me-up. Combine one cup of plain white vinegar with a gallon of water and use the next time you water these plants to see some amazing results.

Is baking soda good for plants?

Baking soda on plants causes no apparent harm and may help prevent the bloom of fungal spores in some cases. It is most effective on fruits and vegetables off the vine or stem, but regular applications during the spring can minimize diseases such as powdery mildew and other foliar diseases.

Why do my plants have holes in the leaves?

Holes in flower leaves usually indicate insect pests rather than disease, which tends to cause spots on the leaves or dropping leaves. Holes are caused by insects with chewing mouthparts, such as caterpillars and beetles. Caterpillars, for example, leave green fecal pellets, while slugs and snails leave a shiny trail.

How do you make homemade bug spray for plants?

To make a basic oil spray insecticide, mix one cup of vegetable oil with one tablespoon of soap (cover and shake thoroughly), and then when ready to apply, add two teaspoons of the oil spray mix with one quart of water, shake thoroughly, and spray directly on the surfaces of the plants which are being affected by the

How do I keep bugs from eating my plants?

Wash plants with strong spray of water. Encourage native predators and parasites such as aphid midges, lacewings, and lady beetles. When feasible, cover plants with floating row covers. Apply hot-pepper or garlic repellent sprays.

How do I get rid of bugs eating my leaves?

Wash plants with a strong spray of water to dislodge aphids, or remove and destroy affected plant parts. Organic solutions include spraying with horticultural oil (petroleum- or vegetable-based oil used to smother insects), insecticidal soap or neem (insecticide made from a tropical tree by the same name).

Why does dish soap eliminate bugs?

Why does Dawn dish soap eliminate bugs? Dawn liquid soap must be diluted with water in order to be effective. The combination of water covering the insect plus the desiccation brought about by the soap will remove the waxy coating from the creature, drying it out and killing it.

How do I get rid of bugs in my soil naturally?

Apply garlic juice to the soil of plants that are infested with mites or aphids. Make a solution from the juice of two garlic cloves, one teaspoon isopropyl alcohol and 3 quarts water. Spray the solution directly on the soil surface several times a day until the pests are controlled.

Will dish soap eliminate plants?

It’s not recommended to use dish detergent (like Dawn), laundry detergent, or hand soap (even the “natural” versions), since these soaps contain abrasive ingredients that could harm your plants. For DIY insecticide, organic pure castile liquid soap is the best solution since it’s all natural and highly effective.

Will Apple cider vinegar eliminate plants?

Weed Killer Made From Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar and other types of vinegar eliminate plants by drying out their top growth. Vinegar will not kill the roots, so some weeds will regrow after treatment. Avoid spraying vinegar near flowers, as it can eliminate any plant, not just “weeds.”

Can I make my own insecticidal soap?

Can I make my own insecticidal soap? Certainly! By mixing 2.5 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2.5 tablespoons of pure liquid soap with 1 gallon of distilled water, you’ll have a whole gallon of insecticidal soap for safely spraying plants in flowerbeds or the vegetable garden.

Can I use Dawn to make insecticidal soap?

The recipe for homemade insecticidal soap requires only three ingredients: Dawn dish soap, vegetable oil and soft water. The Dawn dish soap used in the recipe must not contain bleach, which could harm the plants. Furthermore, you should always use soft water when diluting pesticides.

Will soapy water eliminate sawfly?

Since the larvae are soft-bodied, a homemade spray made of 4 tablespoons of organic soap in a gallon of water will help get them off plants. The stickiness will impede their ability to move and the film left by the soapy water will eliminate sawfly by means of suffocation.

Do you rinse off insecticidal soap?

Insecticidal soap is generally effective after just a few minutes. Although you do not have to rinse off the soap after using it, it might be beneficial for you to do so. Leave the soap on your plants and only rinse after a few applications.