Zebra plant, also known as Calathea zebrina, is a popular houseplant due to its unique striped leaves. However, these plants are prone to pests, especially thrips. These tiny insects can cause significant damage to the foliage of your zebra plant if left untreated. In this article, we’ll discuss how to identify thrips and how to get rid of them.
Thrips are tiny insects that are typically less than 1/16 inch long. They have slender bodies and wings that are fringed with hairs. Thrips come in different colors, including yellow, brown, and black. They feed on the sap of plants by puncturing the leaves and sucking out the juices. As they feed, they leave behind silver or bronze-colored streaks on the leaves. You may also notice black dots on the leaves, which are thrip feces.
There are several methods you can use to get rid of thrips on your zebra plant:
If you notice that only a few leaves are infested with thrips, you can prune them off. Make sure to dispose of the infected leaves properly to prevent the thrips from spreading to other plants.
Sticky traps are an effective way to catch adult thrips. You can purchase sticky traps at your local garden center or make your own by applying petroleum jelly to a yellow index card or piece of paper.
Thoroughly washing your zebra plant with water can help remove thrips from the leaves. Use a gentle spray of water to avoid damaging the leaves.
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be used to control thrips. Mix 1 tablespoon of neem oil with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle and apply it to the foliage of your zebra plant. Repeat this process every seven days until the thrips are gone.
Insecticidal soap is another natural option for controlling thrips. Mix 2 tablespoons of insecticidal soap with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle and apply it to your plant’s leaves. Repeat this process every seven days until the thrips are gone.
Preventing thrips from infesting your zebra plant is the best way to avoid dealing with them in the first place. Here are some tips to prevent thrips:
A: Thrips are not harmful to humans or pets.
A: While chemical insecticides can be effective at controlling thrips, they can also harm beneficial insects and pollinators. It’s best to try natural methods first before resorting to chemicals.
A: It can take several weeks to get rid of thrips completely. Be patient and consistent with your chosen method of control.