Variegated arrowhead plants are beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplants. They feature stunning variegated foliage that brightens up any indoor space. However, one problem that variegated arrowhead plant owners face is lerps.
Lerps are small, white, waxy bumps that appear on the leaves of the plant. They are actually the protective coating of an insect called the plant louse (also known as psyllid). The presence of lerps can cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and fall off. If you’re dealing with lerps on your variegated arrowhead plant, here’s what you need to do:
Before you can effectively get rid of lerps on your variegated arrowhead plant, you need to make sure that’s actually what you’re dealing with. Look for small, white bumps on the leaves of the plant. If you see these bumps, gently scrape them off with a fingernail or a soft-bristled brush. If you see a small, greenish-yellow insect underneath, then you know that you have psyllids.
Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to start removing infected leaves from your plant. This will help prevent the spread of the infestation to other parts of your variegated arrowhead plant. Be sure to dispose of these leaves in a sealed bag and throw them away in the trash, not compost.
Next, give your variegated arrowhead plant a thorough wash. Use lukewarm water and a gentle dish soap to wash the leaves and stems of your plant. Make sure you reach all areas of the plant, including underneath leaves where psyllids tend to hide. Rinse the plant thoroughly and let it dry in a sunny spot.
If the infestation is severe, you may need to apply an insecticide to your variegated arrowhead plant. Look for an insecticide that is safe for indoor plants, and follow the instructions carefully. Make sure you apply the insecticide in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves to protect your skin.
To prevent future infestations, you should regularly inspect your variegated arrowhead plant for signs of psyllids. Keep an eye out for small, white bumps on the leaves and remove any infected leaves immediately. You can also use a neem oil spray as a preventative measure. Simply mix neem oil with water and spray it on your plant once a month.
A: Yes, lerps can be harmful to your variegated arrowhead plant. They can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off, which can weaken the plant over time.
A: Yes, you can use a neem oil spray as a natural remedy to get rid of lerps on your variegated arrowhead plant. Mix neem oil with water and spray it on your plant once a month as a preventative measure.
A: You should inspect your variegated arrowhead plant at least once a week for signs of psyllids. Be sure to remove any infected leaves immediately to prevent the infestation from spreading.
In conclusion, getting rid of lerps on your variegated arrowhead plant requires a combination of identifying the problem, removing infected leaves, washing the plant, applying insecticide, and preventing future infestations. By following these steps and regularly inspecting your plant for signs of psyllids, you can keep your variegated arrowhead plant healthy and strong.