Widow’s tears (also known as “string of tears”) is a popular houseplant with delicate, trailing stems of small, bead-like leaves. However, like all plants, it can fall victim to insect infestations. One common pest that attacks widow’s tears is scale insects. These tiny pests attach themselves to the plant’s stems and leaves, sucking sap and causing damage. Fortunately, there are several methods for getting rid of scales on a widow’s tears plant.
Before you can treat your widow’s tears plant for scales, you need to make sure that scale insects are actually the problem. There are a few telltale signs that your plant has been infested:
Once you’ve identified that your widow’s tears plant has been infested with scales, it’s time to start treating the problem. Here are a few methods you can try:
The first step in getting rid of scales on a widow’s tears plant is to manually remove as many of them as possible. Use a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently scrub the scales off the plant’s leaves and stems. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies where scales might be hiding.
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be effective against scale insects. Mix a few drops of neem oil with water in a spray bottle and mist your widow’s tears plant thoroughly. Be sure to cover both the tops and undersides of the leaves, as well as the stems. Repeat this process every few days until the scales are gone.
Insecticidal soap is another natural option for getting rid of scales on a widow’s tears plant. Mix a few tablespoons of insecticidal soap with water in a spray bottle and spray your plant thoroughly. Be sure to cover both the tops and undersides of the leaves, as well as the stems. Repeat this process every few days until the scales are gone.
If manual removal, neem oil, and insecticidal soap haven’t worked, you might need to resort to using systemic insecticides. These are chemicals that are absorbed by the plant and kill insects from the inside out. However, systemic insecticides should be used as a last resort, as they can also kill beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs. Follow the instructions carefully and use only as directed.
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to pest infestations. Here are a few tips for preventing scale insects from attacking your widow’s tears plant:
Q: Can I use rubbing alcohol to kill scales on my widow’s tears plant?
A: Yes, rubbing alcohol can be an effective method for manually removing scales from your plant. Dip a cotton swab or soft-bristled brush in rubbing alcohol and gently scrub the scales off the plant’s leaves and stems.
Q: Will neem oil harm my widow’s tears plant?
A: Neem oil is generally safe for plants, but it’s always a good idea to test it on a small section of your plant before applying it more widely. Some plants may be more sensitive to neem oil than others.
Q: How often should I apply insecticidal soap to my widow’s tears plant?
A: You should apply insecticidal soap every few days until the scales are gone. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Q: Should I use systemic insecticides on my widow’s tears plant?
A: Systemic insecticides should be used as a last resort, as they can also kill beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs. Follow the instructions carefully and use only as directed.