Turtle plants are a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardens, thanks to their unique appearance and low maintenance requirements. Unfortunately, like all plants, turtle plants can suffer from various pests and diseases, including scales. These tiny insects can quickly spread and damage your plant, making it essential to take action as soon as possible.
In this article, we’ll go over what scales are, how to identify them on a turtle plant, and most importantly, how to get rid of them.
Scales are small, flat insects that attach themselves to the leaves, stems, and branches of plants. They feed on the sap of the plant and can cause extensive damage if left unchecked. Scales are usually brown or black in color and can be challenging to spot since they don’t move around like other pests.
If you suspect that your turtle plant has scales, there are a few telltale signs to look out for:
Small bumps or lumps: Scales appear as small, raised bumps or lumps on the leaves and stem of a plant. They can be brown, black or grey.
Sticky residue: As scales feed on the sap of the plant, they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. You may notice this residue on the leaves or surrounding surfaces.
Black sooty mold: The honeydew produced by scales can attract black sooty mold, which appears as a black film on the leaves and stem of the plant.
Now that you know what scales are and how to identify them let’s discuss how to remove them from your turtle plant. There are several methods you can use to get rid of scales; we’ll go over each one below:
The first and most straightforward method of removing scales is to do it manually. You can use a cotton swab or a soft-bristled brush dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe away the scales from the plant’s leaves, stems, and branches. Make sure to dispose of the cotton swabs or brush after each use to prevent the spread of scales.
Insecticidal soap is an effective way to remove scales from your turtle plant. Mix two tablespoons of insecticidal soap in one quart of water and spray it directly on the affected areas of the plant. The soap will suffocate the scales and prevent them from feeding on the plant’s sap.
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be used to get rid of scales on your turtle plant. Mix one tablespoon of neem oil with one quart of water and spray it on the affected areas of the plant. Neem oil works by disrupting the growth and reproduction of scales, preventing them from spreading.
Horticultural oils are also effective at getting rid of scales on your turtle plant. Mix two tablespoons of horticultural oil with one quart of water and spray it on the affected areas of the plant. The oil will smother the scales and prevent them from feeding on the plant’s sap.
The best way to prevent scales from coming back is to maintain good garden hygiene. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests and diseases, and remove any affected leaves or branches. Also, avoid over-fertilizing your plants, as this can attract pests like scales.
No, you should never use dish soap instead of insecticidal soap. Dish soap contains harsh chemicals that can damage your plant and may not be effective at removing scales. Insecticidal soap is specially formulated to remove pests like scales from plants while being safe for the plant.
You should apply neem oil or horticultural oil every two weeks until the scales are completely gone. After that, you can reduce the application to once a month for preventative measures.
Scales are a common pest that can damage your turtle plant if left unchecked. Luckily, there are several methods you can use to get rid of them, including manual removal, insecticidal soap, neem oil, and horticultural oil. By following these tips, you can keep your turtle plant healthy and free from pesky scales.