Variegated spider plants are attractive, easy-to-grow houseplants that can add a touch of greenery to any room. However, like any other plant, they are susceptible to pests. One of the most common pests that can infest variegated spider plants is the crusader bug.
Crusader bugs are small, yellow or greenish-brown insects that are about ⅛ inch long. They are also known as marmorated stink bugs because they emit a foul odor when disturbed or crushed. These bugs feed on the sap of plants, causing wilting and yellowing of leaves. If left unchecked, they can cause severe damage to the plant and even kill it.
If you have noticed crusader bugs on your variegated spider plant, don’t panic. There are several steps you can take to get rid of them and prevent them from coming back.
Before you start treating your variegated spider plant for crusader bugs, you need to make sure that’s what’s causing the problem. Look for the following signs:
If you see these signs, it’s likely that crusader bugs are infesting your variegated spider plant.
The first step in getting rid of crusader bugs is to remove them by hand. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the foul odor that they emit when disturbed or crushed. Carefully inspect the leaves and stems of your variegated spider plant and pick off any crusader bugs that you see. Drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them.
After you have removed the crusader bugs, wash your variegated spider plant with a gentle stream of lukewarm water. This will help to remove any remaining bugs and their waste products from the plant. Be sure to wash the undersides of the leaves as well, as this is where the bugs tend to hide.
Insecticidal soap is a natural, non-toxic insecticide that can be effective against crusader bugs. It works by suffocating the bugs and disrupting their cell membranes. You can buy insecticidal soap at your local garden center or make your own by mixing 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 1 quart of water.
Spray the insecticidal soap onto your variegated spider plant, making sure to cover all parts of the plant thoroughly. Repeat the application every 5-7 days until all signs of crusader bugs are gone.
To prevent future infestations of crusader bugs on your variegated spider plant, there are several things you can do:
By following these steps, you can keep your variegated spider plant free of crusader bugs and other pests.
A: Crusader bugs are not harmful to humans, but they emit a foul odor when disturbed or crushed.
A: While chemical insecticides can be effective against crusader bugs, they can also harm beneficial insects and pollinators. It’s best to use natural methods like insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
A: It’s a good idea to inspect your variegated spider plant for pests every time you water it. This will help you catch any infestations early and prevent them from spreading.