The variegated ZZ plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a popular houseplant due to its attractive foliage and low maintenance requirements. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to pests, and one common pest that can infest the variegated ZZ plant is thrips.
Thrips are tiny, slender insects that have fringed wings and feed on the sap of plants. They are difficult to spot with the naked eye and can cause significant damage to plants if left untreated. If you notice your variegated ZZ plant has thrips, here are some ways to get rid of them.
Before you can get rid of thrips in your variegated ZZ plant, you need to identify them. Some signs of thrips infestation include:
If you notice any of these signs, inspect your plant closely for thrips. Thrips are tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye, but you may be able to spot them by shaking the plant over a white piece of paper. Thrips are attracted to white surfaces and may fall off the plant onto the paper.
If you prefer natural remedies to chemical ones, there are several ways to get rid of thrips in your variegated ZZ plant.
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help get rid of thrips in your variegated ZZ plant. Dilute neem oil according to the instructions on the bottle and spray it on the leaves of your plant. Neem oil works by disrupting the life cycle of thrips and preventing them from reproducing.
Sticky traps are an effective way to capture thrips in your variegated ZZ plant. Place yellow sticky traps around your plant, and thrips will be attracted to them and get stuck. Check the traps regularly and replace them as needed.
Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from fossilized algae that can be sprinkled on the soil around your variegated ZZ plant to get rid of thrips. The powder is abrasive and can damage the exoskeletons of thrips, causing them to die.
If natural remedies fail to get rid of thrips in your variegated ZZ plant, you may need to resort to chemical insecticides.
Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the roots of your variegated ZZ plant and transported throughout the plant, killing any pests that feed on it. However, systemic insecticides can also harm beneficial insects, so use them with caution.
Contact insecticides kill thrips on contact but do not provide long-term protection. They may need to be reapplied several times to get rid of all thrips in your variegated ZZ plant.
Preventing thrips is always better than trying to get rid of them. Here are some ways to prevent thrips infestation in your variegated ZZ plant:
A: Thrips do not harm humans, but they can cause skin irritation in some people.
A: It is best to avoid eating fruits or vegetables from plants that have been treated with insecticides. Follow the instructions on the insecticide label for the recommended waiting period before harvesting.
A: It is a good idea to inspect your variegated ZZ plant for pests every week or two, especially if you notice any signs of infestation.