Here's how to get rid of aphids on indoor plants for good.
Time 1 hour or less
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$10 - $40
Introduction
Pests ruining your indoor garden? Learn how to get rid of aphids on houseplants using our simple methods to keep your plants healthy.
Tools Required
- Bowl or bucket
- Fine dust mask/respirator
- Garden hose
- Gloves
- Measuring cups
- Paint or makeup brush
- Spoon
Materials Required
- Concentrated Neem oil
- Diatomaceous earth dust
- Dish soap
- Spray bottle
Aphids can wreak havoc on your beloved houseplants, but don’t despair! Several effective methods exist to eliminate these pesky insects and restore your plants to a healthy state. Here are a few that’ll get rid of them for good.
What are aphids?
Aphids are small, common insects that infest both indoor and outdoor plants. Typically measuring 2 to 4 millimeters in length, these pests can be challenging to spot as they often hide beneath leaves. Aphids come in various colors, including green, black, red, gray, and yellow. While they pose no direct threat to humans or pets, they can transmit harmful plant diseases. Signs of aphid infestation include yellowing, wilting, or stunted leaves, as well as small white flakes or spots on the foliage, which are the shed skins of growing aphids.
Why aphids are bad for your plants?
Aphids are detrimental to plant health because they feed on plant sap, disrupting the distribution of nutrients throughout the plant. These insects reproduce rapidly, and a large aphid population can cause severe plant damage, potentially leading to death if left unchecked.
Outdoor plants benefit from natural defenses against aphids, including rainfall and predatory insects such as ladybugs, which eat aphids. However, indoor plants are more vulnerable and require human intervention for protection. The presence of aphids can result in yellowed, wilted, dying, or stunted leaves, significantly impacting your plants’ overall health and appearance.
Project step-by-step (4)
Step 1
Manual removal methods
- Pick off the aphids. Have a small bucket of soapy water ready. Remove the aphids and place them in the soapy water to kill them.
- Wash them off the plant. You can get rid of aphids by taking the houseplant outside and spraying them off the plant with water using a spray bottle or garden hose.
- Prune the infested area. In the rare case that only a particular stem or leaf is infested, prune off that area.
Step 2
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is safe when used properly. However, inhaling diatomaceous earth can be harmful, so wearing a respiratory mask and working in a ventilated space is important. Once the dust settles, the threat of inhalation harm is gone.
With a spoon, scoop a small amount of diatomaceous earth and sprinkle a thin layer on top of the soil. Very gently rub some diatomaceous earth on the top and underside of the leaves using your gloves or by dusting diatomaceous earth onto the leaves with a clean, unused makeup or paint brush. As aphids can move from plant to plant, it is also important to apply diatomaceous earth to the surrounding indoor plants.
Step 3
Neem oil solution
Neem oil, also known as Margosa oil, is an oil pressed from the fruit and leaves of the neem tree and a common pesticide in organic farming.
Put on gloves and mix the concentrated neem oil with water in a clean spray bottle, following the product label instructions. Spray a light coat of the mixed solution directly on the plant’s leaves, especially the underside. Use gloves to gently rub the solution into the leaves if needed. Repeat this process every few days until the aphids have disappeared.
Step 4
FAQ
How do aphids get on indoor plants?
Aphids can spread by flying or crawling to nearby plants if an infested plant is brought into the home.
What other methods are there for getting rid of aphids?
Yellow sticky traps are a safe way to remove aphids. Purchase a couple of yellow sticky traps and place them near the plants. You can also kill aphids by rubbing a cotton swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on infected leaves and directly on the aphids.
How can you prevent aphids?
Keep your plant healthy by avoiding overwatering, providing appropriate light, and maintaining an ideal temperature. Regularly inspect your indoor plant for aphids or other insects. Before introducing a new plant into your home, quarantine it for a week to prevent spreading new insects to your other plants. Additionally, regularly applying neem oil to plants can help with prevention.
Originally Published: September 18, 2024
