If you have a watch chain plant, you may have noticed small white, waxy bumps on the leaves. These bumps are called lerps and are caused by insects called psyllids. While lerps themselves are harmless, psyllids can cause damage to the plant by feeding on the sap. If left untreated, psyllids can cause stunted growth and leaf drop. Here are some steps you can take to get rid of lerps on your watch chain plant.
Before you can start treating your watch chain plant for lerps, you need to make sure that’s the problem. The easiest way to identify lerps is to look for the small white, waxy bumps on the leaves. You may also notice yellowing or curling leaves, which can be a sign of psyllid damage. Once you’ve identified the problem, you can take steps to get rid of it.
One of the simplest ways to get rid of lerps is to prune infected leaves. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove any leaves that have visible lerps. Make sure to dispose of the infected leaves in a sealed bag or container so that the psyllids don’t spread to other plants.
Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to get rid of psyllids and their lerps. You can purchase insecticidal soap at most garden centers or make your own by mixing water and dish soap. To use insecticidal soap, spray it directly on the affected leaves, making sure to coat both the tops and bottoms of the leaves. Repeat this process every seven days until all signs of lerps are gone.
Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of psyllids and can be introduced into your garden to help control the population. You can purchase ladybugs or lacewing eggs at most garden centers or online. Simply release them near your watch chain plant and let them do their work.
A healthy watch chain plant is less susceptible to psyllid damage. Make sure your plant is getting enough sunlight, water, and nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can make your plant more attractive to psyllids. If you notice any signs of stress or disease, take steps to address the issue promptly.
By following these steps, you can get rid of lerps on your watch chain plant and prevent psyllid damage.
A: While lerps themselves are harmless, the insects that cause them (psyllids) can cause damage to your plant by feeding on the sap.
A: Chemical insecticides can be effective in getting rid of psyllids and their lerps but should be used as a last resort. Insecticidal soap is a safer alternative that won’t harm beneficial insects.
A: Spray your plant once a week until all signs of lerps are gone. After that, you can reduce the frequency to once a month for maintenance.