Tuesday Tips: The Great Pest Detective

Uh-oh... do you spy tiny webs? Weird spots? Sticky leaves?

Don’t panic, plant parent! This Tuesday, we’re busting out the magnifying glass and becoming full-on plant detectives. Because when it comes to houseplants, the sooner you catch pests, the faster you can save your green babies from a full-blown invasion.

Today, we’re covering:

• How to spot the sneaky signs of houseplant pests

• Easy, natural remedies you can whip up at home

• How to boost your plants' defenses so pests think twice about moving in

By the end, you’ll be armed and ready to protect your indoor jungle like the houseplant superhero you are. Let’s dive in!

Pests 101 — Meet the Culprits

First, let's meet the common troublemakers:

1. Spider Mites

• Signs: Tiny webbing (especially under leaves), speckled yellow or brown spots on foliage.

• Habits: Love hot, dry conditions. Nearly invisible to the naked eye — they look like moving dust.

2. Mealybugs

• Signs: White, cottony clumps on stems, leaves, or at leaf joints. Sticky residue (honeydew) on surfaces.

• Habits: Hide in crevices and multiply fast.

3. Fungus Gnats

• Signs: Little black flies hovering around the soil; yellowing leaves.

• Habits: Larvae feed on roots, adults lay eggs in damp soil.

4. Aphids

• Signs: Clusters of tiny, soft-bodied insects (green, black, or white) on new growth; sticky leaves.

• Habits: Suck plant sap, causing deformed growth.

Pro Tip: Early detection is everything. Pest outbreaks can often be avoided if you catch them before they become an army!