If you have a variegated umbrella plant, you may have noticed small, white, waxy bumps on the leaves. These bumps are called lerps and they are caused by an insect called a lerp psyllid. While lerps may not cause significant damage to your plant, they can be unsightly and affect the overall appearance of your plant. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of lerps on your variegated umbrella plant.
Lerps are small, white, waxy bumps that appear on the leaves of some plants. They are caused by an insect called a lerp psyllid. The insect feeds on the sap of the plant and secretes a sugary substance that hardens into the waxy bump known as a lerp.
Lerps are commonly found on variegated umbrella plants and other types of plants in the aralia family. While they may not cause significant damage to the plant, they can be unsightly and affect the overall appearance of your plant.
There are several methods you can try to get rid of lerps on your variegated umbrella plant:
One way to get rid of lerps is to manually remove them from the leaves. This can be done by gently scraping them off with a fingernail or a soft-bristled brush. Be careful not to damage the leaves while doing so.
Another method is to use insecticidal soap. Insecticidal soap is a type of soap that is safe for plants but can kill insects like lerp psyllids. To use insecticidal soap, mix the soap with water according to the instructions on the label and spray it on the affected leaves. Repeat this process every few days until the lerps are gone.
Neem oil is another natural remedy that can be used to get rid of lerps. Neem oil is derived from the neem tree and has insecticidal properties. To use neem oil, mix it with water according to the instructions on the label and spray it on the affected leaves. Repeat this process every few days until the lerps are gone.
If the infestation is severe and affecting a large portion of the plant, pruning may be necessary. Prune off any heavily infested leaves or branches and dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag to prevent the spread of the insects.
While it is difficult to completely prevent lerps from appearing on your variegated umbrella plant, there are a few things you can do to reduce the likelihood of an infestation:
Monitor Your Plant: Keep an eye on your plant for any signs of lerps or other pests. The earlier you detect an infestation, the easier it will be to control.
Keep Your Plant Healthy: A healthy plant is less likely to attract pests like lerp psyllids. Make sure your plant is receiving adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Clean Your Plant: Regularly wipe down your plant’s leaves with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris that could attract pests.
Q: Are lerps harmful to my variegated umbrella plant?
A: While lerps may not cause significant damage to your plant, they can be unsightly and affect its overall appearance.
Q: Can I use chemical pesticides to get rid of lerps?
A: While chemical pesticides may be effective at getting rid of lerps, they can also harm beneficial insects and other wildlife. It is recommended to use natural remedies like insecticidal soap or neem oil first.
Q: Can I prevent lerps from appearing on my variegated umbrella plant?
A: While it is difficult to completely prevent lerps, you can reduce the likelihood of an infestation by monitoring your plant, keeping it healthy, and regularly cleaning its leaves.