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Pest Control for Tropical Aroid Plants: Simple Tips for Success

As a tropical plant enthusiast, you know that aroids are some of the most beautiful and exotic plants around. From their lush, green leaves to their colorful flowers, aroids are a joy to grow and care for. However, like all plants, aroids can sometimes be plagued by pests. In this blog post, we'll take a look at how to treat tropical aroid plants for pests so you can keep your plants healthy and happy.

First, let's talk about what kinds of pests can affect aroid plants. Some common pests that can attack aroids include aphids, mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests feed on the plant's leaves and stems, sucking out the juices and causing damage. In severe cases, pests can even kill plants entirely. However, not all pests are bad, some can even be very beneficial to your plant and have a mutualistic relationship with it like ladybugs and aphids. We will dive more into the good and the ugly below. 

Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent and treat pests on your aroid plants. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Keep an eye out for signs of pests, such as discolored or wilted leaves, and take action as soon as you notice any issues. They can be extremely small and hard to detect so make sure you examine them thoroughly on the front and back of the leaves along with the petiole. Quarantine the plant(s) from other plants for about a week or two or until you see no further signs of pest activity. 

Use a natural, organic pest control method whenever possible. There are many effective natural pest control products on the market, such as neem oil and insecticidal soap, that can help get rid of pests without harming your plants or the environment. Aroids and other ornamentals can have very sensitive foliage and harsh chemicals can leave burns and even kill your plant in some cases.

Some plant parents go a more non-traditional way and introduce helpful bugs into their collection to feast on the not so helpful bugs. Introducing beneficial bugs to your plants is a great way to control parasitic bugs and protect your garden. Beneficial bugs, also known as predatory insects, are natural enemies of parasitic bugs and can help keep their populations in check.One of the most effective predatory insects for controlling parasitic bugs is the ladybug. Ladybugs, also known as lady beetles or ladybird beetles, are small, brightly colored insects that are native to many parts of the world. These insects are voracious predators and can eat hundreds of aphids and other small, soft-bodied insects in a single day. You can order some ladybugs here.In addition to ladybugs, there are many other beneficial bugs that can help control parasitic bugs in your garden. These include praying mantises, pirate bugs, and minute pirate bugs. By introducing these beneficial bugs to your plants, you can effectively control parasitic bugs and protect your garden.

Remove any infected leaves or stems from your aroid plants. This can help prevent the spread of pests and reduce the overall population. I know that to some it sounds scary to remove a beautiful leaf, but the plant will thank you in the long run. If you really can't bring yourself to cut it, then you must be extra thorough with treatment to ensure all parasitic pests are put down and removed from the plant tissue.

Avoid over-watering your plants, as this can create a damp, humid environment that is conducive to pest infestations. It is always best to use a well-draining mixture that is more forgiving of excess water than a dense soil mix. Use a moisture meter to test how much water is in your soil to prevent further infestations and overwatering.

If all else fails, consult a professional. We are always here to help if needed! If your aroid plants are severely infested with pests, it may be best to seek the advice of a professional who can help you safely and effectively treat the problem hands on. 

By following these tips, you can help prevent and treat pests on your tropical aroid plants. With a little care and attention, you can keep your aroids healthy and beautiful for years to come.

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Exotic Houseplant Accessories available at www.bohobotanicalgarden.com

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Monstera Albo Ghost

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Philodendron Pink Princess in tropical greenhouse

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The Ultimate Guide To Fixing Yellow Leaves On House Plants

Do you have a houseplant that has yellow leaves? If so, don’t worry! This ultimate guide will help you diagnose and fix the issue, so you can get your green-leafed friends back to good health in no time. Yellow leaves on house plants can be caused by a variety of issues, such as overwatering, improper light, or nutrient deficiencies. But with a few simple steps, you can begin to diagnose and fix the problem. From understanding the signs of overwatering and nutrient deficiency to recognizing the ideal light and soil conditions, this guide will help you understand the causes of yellow leaves and how to treat them. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get your houseplants back to health and looking their best!

The Causes Of Yellow Leaves

As we’ve said, yellow leaves can be caused by many things, including overwatering or underwatering, incorrect light, or nutrient deficiency. Let’s begin by looking at the specific causes of yellow leaves. Waterlogging - Waterlogged soil will cause the plant to wilt, which is what happens when the roots can’t take up water. If the soil is too wet, the roots can’t get the air they need, which leads to wilting. If the soil is too dry, the roots will be unable to absorb water, which can also cause wilting. The leaves will appear wilted, droopy or twisted and the tips may turn yellow or brown. Salt Buildup - Salt buildup happens when you use water with high levels of minerals (hard water) or don’t flush out the soil/pot with fresh water often enough. This can lead to yellow leaves or even burning.

Signs Of Overwatering

Overwatering is one of the most common causes of yellow leaves on house plants. If your plant’s soil is too wet, it can lead to root rot, which will kill your plant. Fortunately, it’s an easy problem to identify and fix. If you see water coming out of the bottom of the pot, you’re definitely overwatering. You should be able to take a finger and put a small indentation in the soil. If the soil is completely squishy and you can’t put any pressure on it, it’s time to water. It’s also a good idea to check the soil for signs of salt buildup. If you notice a buildup, flush the soil with fresh water. If you see signs of wilting, you’ve probably been overwatering for a few days. Make sure your soil mix is chunky and properly suited for tropical plants, you can find premixed soil on amazon.

Signs Of Nutrient Deficiency

A nutrient deficiency is a much harder problem to identify than overwatering. But it can lead to even more serious problems than yellow leaves. One of the most common nutrient deficiencies is iron. You may see yellowing between veins on the leaves, or the leaves may be smaller than normal. You can treat this with an iron supplement or by repotting with fresh soil. Another common deficiency is nitrogen deficiency, which can cause yellow leaves with a scorched appearance. To treat this, you should repot with fresh soil and fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer once a month.

Proper Light Conditions

Light is a major factor in plant health, as it’s literally what they use to create food through photosynthesis. There are different types of light that plants need, and they tend to prefer the spectrum of light that they get from the sun. But not all plants prefer the same intensity of light, so you’ll need to research the specific needs of the plants you’re growing. As a general rule, most plants will prefer bright, indirect light. So, if you have a plant that prefers full sun, you may need to move it to a shadier spot. Another common problem is letting house plants sit in direct sunlight for too long. Plants can only handle direct sunlight for a few hours a day. You should also rotate your plants regularly to give them even light exposure.

Proper Soil Conditions

The type of soil you use can also cause yellow leaves. Many commercial soils contain chemicals that can harm the plants. Soil with extremely high or low pH can cause problems as well. You can test your soil’s pH with a meter, kit, or a small sample. If the pH is too high or too low, you can add a product to adjust it. Always use organic soil and avoid synthetic fertilizers and chemicals. Proper soil also means providing enough room for the roots to grow. House plants grow best in a pot with a diameter equal to the diameter of the plant’s original pot. You can repot with fresh soil to give the roots more room to grow.

Diagnose The Problem

Now that you’ve identified the possible causes of yellow leaves on house plants, it’s time to try to diagnose the problem. There are three key factors to consider: light, water, and nutrients. Let’s take each one at a time. Light - As we discussed above, plants need specific light levels to thrive. If your plant is getting too much light, you can move it to a shadier spot or rotate it regularly. If it’s getting too little light, try rotating it so it gets more direct sunlight. Water - The key here is regular monitoring of the soil’s moisture level. You should be able to take a finger and press a small indentation in the soil. If you can’t, it’s time to water. It’s also a good idea to check the soil for signs of salt buildup. If you notice a buildup, flush the soil with fresh water. Nutrients - The signs of nutrient deficiency are harder to identify than overwatering. One way to check for deficiencies is to do a soil test. You can also look for common signs like yellow leaves between veins or smaller than normal leaves.

Treat The Problem

Now that you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to fix it! Fortunately, each of these problems are easy to fix. First, let’s talk about light. If your plant is getting too much light, you can move it to a shadier spot. If it’s getting too little light, try rotating it so it receives more direct sunlight. Next, let’s talk about water. If your plant is waterlogged, you can flush the soil with fresh water. If there’s a buildup of salt in the soil, flush the soil with fresh water. If your plant is suffering from a nutrient deficiency, you can repot with fresh soil and fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer once a month.

Preventing Yellow Leaves In The Future

Once you’ve solved the problem, you can begin to prevent yellow leaves in the future. First, make sure you’re rotating your plants regularly to give them even light exposure. Next, make sure your soil is the right pH for your plant. You can do a soil test to check. Finally, make sure your plants are receiving the right amount of water. You can do this by regularly inspecting the soil. If you’re unsure how much water your plant needs, there are many online guides that can help. Once you’ve got the perfect conditions, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your beautiful houseplants! Just make sure you’re keeping an eye out for future issues. The best way to do this is to check on your plants regularly.

Conclusion

Now you know what causes yellow leaves and how to prevent them. That means you can save your plants and enjoy their beautiful leaves. Follow the tips and advice in this article and your houseplants will soon be healthy and green again. So, what are you waiting for plant baddies? Let’s get your houseplants back to health and looking their best!

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6 Tips for Keeping Your Philodendron Alive & Thriving

Philodendrons are a popular type of houseplant, known for their large, glossy leaves and their easy-care requirements. While they are generally easy to care for, there are a few things you need to do to keep your philodendrons healthy and thriving. Here are a few tips on how to care for your philodendrons: - Philodendrons like bright, indirect sunlight. If you can provide them with a spot near a window where they will get some light, they will be happy. Make sure the rays never hit the leaves directly or it could leave sun stress on the plant. If you are growing indoors, you will need good grow lights if you don't have any windows that produce enough light. - Water your philodendrons when the soil is dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater them, as this can cause problems such as root rot and mold. Wait until the pot is completely dry and then thoroughly water.  - Fertilize your philodendrons every month or so with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Make sure to not fertilize during the winter if possible. Here is my recommendation for big, lush leaves: "Fox Farms Grow Big Liquid Fertilizer". We use Fox Farms at our nursery here at Boho and notice a significant difference in size and growth rate. Try it for yourself!

- Philodendrons are not particularly picky, so don't OVER care for them. Set them up for success early and let them grow. I know this is hard to hear for most people (including me), but sometimes the best thing you can do for your plant is set it and forget about it. Just make sure to monitor for pests and anything out of the ordinary that could affect your plants health. 

- Philodendrons are tropical plants so you really want to emulate their natural environment as much as possible. This can easily be achieved at home without a huge budget. Optimal humidity levels are between 70%-90% with temperatures ranging from 75-85 Degrees during the day and 65-70 Degrees at night. You can easily get these conditions with a humidifier along with an indoor greenhouse. Another option is to mist your plants every week to bring up humidity levels.

- Have fun with the process and don't expect perfection out of yourself or the plant. Plants, like ourselves, are living things and are imperfect. That is what makes it beautiful. You will learn more as you continue to practice so don't let yourself down if you kill your plant because we all have at one point or another!

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