Variegated rubber plants are a popular indoor plant known for their attractive foliage and ease of care. However, one problem that can arise with these plants is the presence of lerps. Lerps are small, white, waxy structures that appear on the leaves of plants and can cause damage if left untreated. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of lerps on variegated rubber plants and prevent them from coming back.
Lerps are small, white, waxy structures that appear on the leaves of plants. They are created by a tiny insect called a lerp psyllid, which feeds on the sap of the plant. The psyllid creates the lerp as a protective covering for itself and its eggs. If left untreated, lerps can cause damage to the plant and make it more susceptible to other pests and diseases.
Lerps are easy to identify on variegated rubber plants. They appear as small, white bumps on the leaves and stems of the plant. If you look closely, you may see a tiny insect inside the lerp. You may also notice yellowing or browning of the leaves around the lerps.
There are several methods you can use to get rid of lerps on your variegated rubber plant:
The first step in getting rid of lerps is to prune any affected leaves. Use sharp, clean scissors to cut off any leaves that have lerps or are damaged by them. Make sure to dispose of these leaves in a sealed plastic bag to prevent any psyllids from spreading.
After pruning affected leaves, it’s important to wash your variegated rubber plant. Use a gentle, all-purpose cleaner and warm water to wipe down the leaves and stems of the plant. This will help remove any remaining lerps and eggs.
Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to get rid of lerps on variegated rubber plants. Look for a product that is specifically labeled for use on houseplants. Follow the instructions on the label carefully, as some products may need to be diluted before use.
Neem oil is another natural insecticide that can be used to get rid of lerps on variegated rubber plants. Mix one tablespoon of neem oil with one quart of warm water, and spray the solution onto the affected leaves and stems of the plant. Repeat this process every 7-10 days until the lerps are gone.
Once you’ve gotten rid of lerps on your variegated rubber plant, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from coming back. Here are some tips:
A: No, lerps are not harmful to humans.
A: Yes, you can use insecticidal soap or other pesticides to get rid of lerps. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and use these products safely.
A: Pruning your plant is a necessary step in getting rid of lerps, but it should not harm the plant as long as you use clean, sharp scissors and make clean cuts.