If you own a Zenzi ZZ plant, you might have noticed tiny white or brown bumps on the leaves. These bumps are called lerps and are caused by an insect called the lerp psyllid. While lerps don’t necessarily harm the plant, they can be unsightly and affect its overall appearance. Here’s how to get rid of lerps on your Zenzi ZZ plant.
Before you can begin to treat the problem, it’s important to make sure that what you’re dealing with is indeed lerps. Lerp psyllids are tiny insects that secrete a protective covering over themselves as they feed on the plant’s sap. The covering looks like a small, raised, disk-shaped bump on the leaf surface. In severe infestations, the entire leaf may be covered in lerps.
The first step in getting rid of lerps is to physically remove them from the plant. Gently scrape them off with a soft-bristled brush or your fingernail. Be careful not to damage the leaf surface while doing this.
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that’s effective against a variety of pests, including lerp psyllids. Mix one tablespoon of neem oil with one quart of water and spray it on your Zenzi ZZ plant, paying special attention to the areas where you removed the lerps. Repeat this process every two weeks until the problem is resolved.
Insecticidal soap is another natural pesticide that can help get rid of lerps on your Zenzi ZZ plant. Mix one tablespoon of insecticidal soap with one quart of water and spray it on your plant. Make sure to cover all the affected areas thoroughly. Repeat this process every two weeks until the problem is resolved.
Lerp psyllids thrive in humid conditions, so improving air circulation around your Zenzi ZZ plant can help reduce their numbers. Make sure the plant is not crowded and has plenty of space around it. You can also use a small fan to improve air circulation.
A healthy Zenzi ZZ plant is less susceptible to pest infestations. Make sure your plant is getting enough sunlight, water, and nutrients. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and weaken the plant’s defenses against pests.
Lerps themselves don’t harm the plant, but they can attract other pests that do.
Removing the lerps won’t damage your plant as long as you’re gentle and careful.
It can take several weeks to completely get rid of lerps on your Zenzi ZZ plant, depending on the severity of the infestation.
Regularly inspecting your Zenzi ZZ plant for signs of pest infestations and maintaining its health can help prevent lerps from coming back.