Whirling butterfly plant, also known as Gaura lindheimeri, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow perennial with delicate, butterfly-shaped flowers that dance in the breeze. However, this plant can attract thrips, tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves and flowers, causing damage and discoloration. Thrips can be challenging to control, but there are several strategies you can use to keep them at bay and keep your whirling butterfly plant healthy and happy.
Thrips are tiny, slender insects that range in size from 0.5 to 5 mm. They are usually yellow, brown, or black and have fringed wings that make them strong fliers. Thrips feed on the sap of plants by puncturing the cells with their mouthparts and sucking out the contents. This can cause leaves to turn yellow or brown, curl up, and drop off prematurely. Infested flowers may also become discolored or deformed.
To confirm that your whirling butterfly plant is infested with thrips, examine the undersides of the leaves and look for tiny, silvery or brown spots (fecal matter), or tiny black dots (adult insects). You may also notice small, white larvae crawling on the leaves or in the soil around the plant.
Prune infected leaves and flowers: Cut off any infested plant parts using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. This will help prevent thrips from spreading to other parts of the plant.
Spray with insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap is a natural pesticide that can be effective against thrips. Mix 1 tablespoon of mild liquid soap (such as Castile soap) with 1 quart of water and spray the solution on all parts of the plant, making sure to coat the undersides of the leaves. Repeat every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control.
Apply neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide and fungicide that can be effective against thrips. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water and spray the solution on all parts of the plant. Repeat every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control.
Use sticky traps: Sticky traps are yellow or blue sheets coated with a sticky substance that attracts and catches thrips. Hang the traps near your whirling butterfly plant to help reduce the population of thrips.
Introduce beneficial insects: Some predatory insects, such as lacewings, ladybugs, and minute pirate bugs, feed on thrips and can help control their population. You can purchase these insects online or at a garden center and release them near your whirling butterfly plant.
Improve cultural conditions: Thrips thrive in hot, dry conditions, so keeping your whirling butterfly plant well-watered and cool can help deter them. Also, avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can attract thrips.
Q: Are thrips harmful to humans?
A: Thrips are not harmful to humans and do not transmit diseases.
Q: Can I eat vegetables or fruits that have been infested with thrips?
A: It is generally safe to eat fruits or vegetables that have been infested with thrips as long as you wash them thoroughly before eating.
Q: Will insecticidal soap harm beneficial insects?
A: Insecticidal soap is generally safe for beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. However, it may harm bees and other pollinators if sprayed directly on them.
Q: How can I prevent thrips from infesting my whirling butterfly plant in the future?
A: To prevent thrips from infesting your whirling butterfly plant, avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, keep the plant well-watered and cool, and inspect new plants before bringing them into your garden. You can also place sticky traps near your plant to catch any thrips that may be present.