Houseplants bring life, colour, and a breath of fresh air into our homes, until tiny, uninvited guests decide to move in. From sap-suckers to leaf-chewers, common house plant pests can quickly turn your lush indoor jungle into a drooping, yellowing mess.
The good news? With a keen eye and a little know-how, you can keep your plants thriving and pest-free.
1. Fungus Gnats
What they look like: Tiny black flies hovering around the soil.
Why they’re here: They’re attracted to damp potting mix and lay their eggs in moist soil.
How to handle them: Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings to break their life cycle. Sticky yellow traps can help catch adults, while a soil drench with diluted hydrogen peroxide (1 part peroxide to 4 parts water) kills larvae without harming the plant.
2. Aphids
What they look like: Small, pear-shaped insects in green, black, or brown, often clustered on new growth.
Why they’re here: They feed on plant sap, weakening leaves and stunting growth.
How to handle them: A gentle blast of water in the sink or shower can dislodge them. Follow up with a neem oil spray every few days until they’re gone.
3. Spider Mites
What they look like: Almost invisible to the naked eye, but their fine webbing between leaves is a giveaway.
Why they’re here: They thrive in warm, dry indoor environments and feed on plant cells, leaving speckled, faded leaves.
How to handle them: Increase humidity by misting or using a humidifier. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and spray with insecticidal soap. Repeat weekly until no signs remain.
4. Mealybugs
What they look like: White, cottony clusters hiding in leaf joints and stems.
Why they’re here: They feed on plant juices and excrete sticky honeydew, which can attract mould.
How to handle them: Dab them directly with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol to kill on contact. Follow with a neem oil treatment to prevent reinfestation.
5. Scale Insects
What they look like: Hard, shell-like bumps on stems and the underside of leaves.
Why they’re here: They attach themselves to plants and feed slowly, causing yellowing and leaf drop.
How to handle them: Gently scrape them off with a fingernail or soft brush, then treat the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Prevention Tips to Keep Pests Away:
- Inspect new plants before bringing them home.
- Avoid overwatering — damp soil is a magnet for pests.
- Wipe leaves regularly to remove dust and spot pests early.
- Quarantine new plants for at least two weeks before introducing them to your collection.
Indoor gardening is all about balance. By staying observant and tackling issues early, you can enjoy healthy, happy plants and keep those tiny troublemakers at bay.