Do indoor plants attract bugs or are they safe from their infestation? Are there any specific precautions you need to take? Let’s find out!
If you are not sure whether indoor plants attract bugs or not, and don’t have any idea on how to spot them on your green friends – well, we are here to help!
Common Houseplant Bugs
Do Indoor Plants Attract Bugs – Reasons
Bugs can be anywhere and indoor plants are no exception. The main reasons they are attracted to the plants, are:
- Moist soil is the major culprit – if you are not careful with the overwatering part, the bugs will cause havoc. Moisture creates a perfect breeding ground for bugs like fungus gnats.
- Because indoor plants are in a closed environment, there are no natural predators like birds or other beneficial insects to hunt bugs and pests down.
- Lack of fresh air circulation is also a major contributor to why these bugs and pests multiply.
- Insufficient light and improper plant care are also the reasons why the indoor plants can be a breeding ground for the most common indoor plant bugs.
Bugs that Indoor Plants Attract
Aphids, Spider Mites, Fungus Gnats, Mealybugs, Scales, Whiteflies, and Thrips are some of the most notorious ones you need to keep an eye out for!
When you bring outdoor plants indoors, be careful of the common garden bugs like Leaf Miners, Caterpillars, Snails and Slugs, Root Aphids, Soil Mites, Mold Mites, Earwigs and Grasshoppers as they can come along!
Managing Bugs on Houseplants
While occasional bug encounters are inevitable, you can take care of some basic things to prevent them.
It is also important to let the topsoil dry out a bit between waterings. Make sure the plants get a minimum of 3-4 hours of direct sunlight everyday and sufficient indirect light exposure for the rest of the day – remember, good air circulation is a must, something you can achieve by keeping the plant close to any window or a door – just ensure they are not exposed to the harsh afternoon sun exposure for longer periods of time.
Also, it would be a good idea to use glue boards, traps, and barriers to catch crawling pests.
Preventing Bugs on Indoor Plants
Before you bring any new indoor plant home, make sure to give it a close inspection to look for any bugs, as they can be transferred to the other healthy specimens in your collection.
While bringing any outdoor plants indoors during winters, it is essential that you look for any signs of pests or bug infestation, as they can be transferred to the healthy ones.
The Bottom Line
With attentive care and prevention, indoor gardeners can keep unwanted bugs at bay. While no plant is completely pest-proof, staying vigilant for signs of trouble and acting quickly allows you to keep your green friends safe from these villains!
