If you have a zig zag plant, also known as a Calathea plant, in your home or office, you may have noticed tiny insects flying around it. These insects are called thrips and they can damage the leaves of your plant if left untreated. Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the sap of plants by piercing the leaves and sucking out the juices. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of thrips in your zig zag plant.
The first step in getting rid of thrips is to identify the problem. Thrips are tiny insects that can be difficult to see with the naked eye. Look for signs of damage on your plant’s leaves such as silver or bronze streaks, distorted growth or black fecal spots. You may also notice tiny black or brown insects crawling on your plant.
Prevention is the best way to avoid a thrip infestation in your zig zag plant. Here are some tips to prevent thrips from attacking your plant:
If you already have a thrip infestation in your zig zag plant, there are several ways to treat it:
Thrips tend to congregate on young leaves and flowers. If you notice that only a few leaves on your plant are affected, prune them off and dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag. This will help prevent the thrips from spreading to other parts of your plant.
Insecticidal soap is a natural insecticide that can be used to kill thrips on contact. Spray your plant with insecticidal soap, making sure to cover the leaves and stems thoroughly. Repeat the application every 7-10 days until the thrips are eliminated.
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be used to kill thrips and other pests. Mix neem oil with water according to the instructions on the label and spray your plant, making sure to cover both sides of the leaves. Repeat the application every 7-10 days until the thrips are eliminated.
Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from fossilized diatoms that can be used to kill thrips and other pests. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on your plant, making sure to cover both sides of the leaves. The fine powder will stick to the thrips and cause them to dehydrate and die. Repeat the application every few days until the thrips are eliminated.
Thrips do not pose a threat to humans or pets, but they can damage plants if left untreated.
Insecticidal soap is safe for most plants, including zig zag plants. However, it’s always a good idea to test a small area of your plant before spraying it with insecticidal soap.
To prevent thrips from coming back, keep your plant healthy by providing it with proper lighting, water and fertilization. Inspect new plants before bringing them into your home or office, and use sticky traps to catch adult thrips before they lay eggs on your plant.