Widow’s tears, also known as Tradescantia Spathacea, is a popular houseplant that is easy to care for and adds a touch of beauty to any room. However, like any plant, it is not immune to pests. If you have noticed little bugs on your Widow’s Tears plant, you may be wondering what they are and how to get rid of them.
The first step in getting rid of any pest is to identify it. The bugs you may notice on your Widow’s Tears plant are likely one of the following:
Mealybugs are small, white, cotton-like insects that can be found on the leaves and stems of your plant. They feed on the sap of the plant and can cause damage if left untreated.
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that can be found on the underside of leaves. They also feed on the sap of the plant and can cause damage if left untreated.
Scale insects are small, round insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of your plant. They also feed on the sap of the plant and can cause damage if left untreated.
Once you have identified the type of bug on your Widow’s Tears plant, you can take steps to get rid of them. Here are some methods you can try:
For mealybugs and scale insects, you can try manually removing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Gently rub the cotton swab over the bugs to remove them.
Insecticidal soap is a natural option for getting rid of pests on your plants. You can purchase insecticidal soap at your local garden center or make your own by mixing 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap with 1 quart of water. Spray the solution on your plant, making sure to cover both the tops and bottoms of leaves.
Neem oil is another natural option for getting rid of pests on your plants. Mix 1 tablespoon of neem oil with 1 quart of water and spray the solution on your plant.
Once you have gotten rid of the bugs on your Widow’s Tears plant, you will want to take steps to prevent future infestations. Here are some tips:
By following these tips, you can help keep your Widow’s Tears plant healthy and pest-free.
It is a good idea to check your plants for pests every time you water them. This will help you catch any issues early and prevent them from spreading.
While chemical pesticides can be effective in getting rid of pests, they can also harm beneficial insects and be toxic to humans and pets. It is best to exhaust natural options before turning to chemical pesticides.
If caught early, getting rid of pests should not cause any damage to your plant. However, if left untreated for too long, the bugs can cause damage that may be difficult to reverse.