How To Get Rid Of Bugs On Jade Plants [6 Types]
Houseplants increase the aesthetic appeal of any space, and jade plants are no exception. These succulents are easy to care for, hardy, and attractive, making them a great choice for almost any home.
However, bugs on jade plants can be disruptive and damaging. It’s important to know the types of bugs that can infest jade plants, their signs and symptoms, and how to get rid of them.
This article will discuss six common bugs that can infest jade plants, how to identify them, and the best ways to get rid of them. So let’s get started.
6 Types of Bugs on Jade Plant
Jade plants are popular houseplants known for their glossy, vibrant green leaves and mesmerizingly twisty trunks. But despite the beauty of these plants, bugs can still be an issue. If bugs start infesting your jade plant, you must take action quickly.
Here are six types of bugs that tend to feast on jade plants and the best ways to get rid of them.
1. Mealybugs
The most common bugs on jade plants are mealybugs. Signs of mealybug infestation include sticky honeydew on the leaves, yellow spots on foliage, and curling or wilting of the plant.
What Are Mealybugs?
Mealybugs are small, white bugs that look like tiny pieces of cotton. They usually congregate on the stems and undersides of leaves. These bugs feed by piercing the plant’s tissue and sucking out its juices, which can weaken a jade plant over time.
How To Get Rid Of Mealybugs
The best way to get rid of mealybugs is to use a pesticide specifically designed to kill these bugs. Be sure to follow the directions on the product label and wear protective gear when applying it. Additionally, spray a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water directly onto the bugs. This will kill them without harming your jade plant.
2. Root mealybugs
Another type of bug on the jade plant is root mealybugs. These bugs feed on the roots and can cause damage to the plant. Symptoms of root mealybug infestation include yellowing and wilting of the leaves and stunted growth.
What Are Root Mealybugs?
Root mealybugs are small, white bugs that feed on the roots of plants. They tend to congregate at the base of the stem and can be difficult to see. These mealybugs lack the distal wax filaments characteristic of their relatives that feed on leaves and have a thin, homogenous waxy coating instead.
How To Get Rid Of Root Mealybugs
The best way to get rid of root mealybugs is to repot the jade plant and treat the soil with pesticides. Make sure to remove any affected roots when you repot and dispose of them away from the plant.
You should also use a systemic insecticide, which is absorbed into the soil and taken up by the roots of the jade plant. This will kill any root mealybugs that have already infested the plant and prevent future infestations.
3. Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny bugs that can infest jade plants. Signs of spider mite infestation include yellowing and wilting of the foliage and the presence of small webbing between stems.
What Are Spider Mites?
Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged arachnids (spider relatives) that feed on the juices of plants. They usually stay near the undersides of leaves and can be difficult to see. These mites can reproduce quickly and cause significant damage to a jade plant if left unchecked.
How To Get Rid Of Spider Mites
To get rid of spider mites, you should first wash the plant with a strong stream of water. This will knock off any spider mites and remove some of the webs they’ve created. You should then use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill any remaining mites. Be sure to follow the directions on the product label and wear protective gear when applying it.
4. Scales
Another type of bug on the jade plant is scales. These bugs suck the juices from the plant and can be difficult to get rid of. Signs of scale infestation include yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew, and the presence of small brown bumps on the leaves.
What Are Scales?
Scales are small bugs with a hard, waxy shell. They usually congregate on the undersides of leaves and feed by sucking out the plant’s juices. These bugs can reproduce quickly and cause damage to a jade plant if left unchecked.
How To Get Rid Of Scales
The best way to get rid of scales is to use an insecticide specifically designed to kill these bugs. You should also prune away any affected branches or stems and dispose of them away from the plant.
Additionally, you can spray a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water directly onto the affected leaves. This will kill any scales without harming your jade plant.
5. Aphids
Aphids are small bugs that feed on the sap from jade plants. Signs of an aphid infestation include yellow spots on the leaves, stunted growth, and honeydew deposits on the foliage.
What Are Aphids?
Aphids are small insects with pear-shaped bodies. They feed on the sap from plants and tend to congregate in large numbers. Aphids can reproduce quickly, making them difficult to control.
How To Get Rid Of Aphids
To get rid of aphids, you should first try washing the jade plant with a strong stream of water. This will knock off any aphids and reduce their numbers. You can then use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill any remaining aphids. Be sure to follow the directions on the product label and wear protective gear when applying it.
Additionally, you can introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs, which will feed on the aphids and help keep their numbers in check.
6. Fungus gnats
Fungus gnats are small flying insects that feed on decaying plant matter in the soil. Signs of infestation include tiny black flies hovering around the pot and soil and wilting foliage.
What Are Fungus Gnats?
Fungus gnats are small flying insects that lay their eggs in damp soil. The larvae feed on decaying organic matter, such as root rot and fungal growth. These gnats can reproduce quickly, making them difficult to control.
How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats
The best way to get rid of fungus gnats is to improve drainage in the pot and let the soil dry out between waterings. Additionally, you can use a thin layer of sand or gravel on top of the soil to prevent the larvae from reaching the surface. You can also introduce beneficial nematodes to the soil, which will feed on the larvae and help keep their numbers in check.
Lastly, you can use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill any adult gnats that are present. Be sure to follow the directions on the product label and wear protective gear when applying it.
Related Post:
White Spots on Jade Plant: Causes and Remedies
How to Prevent Bugs on Jade Plant
Prevention is the best way to keep your jade plant bug-free. Here are some tips to help you:
Avoid Overwatering
Too much water can lead to root rot, which attracts bugs. Be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings, and never let your jade plant sit in standing water.
Improve Air Circulation
Good air circulation helps keep bugs away. Place your jade plant in an area with plenty of airflow and avoid overcrowding it with other plants.
Maintain Optimal Humidity
Jade plants do best in a slightly humid environment. Use a humidifier or mist your jade plant regularly to keep the humidity levels optimal.
Provide Adequate Drainage
Ensure the pot you’re using has adequate drainage holes to prevent overwatering. Inspect the pot periodically to make sure the drainage holes are not blocked.
Clean Up Debris
Keep your jade plant’s environment clean and remove any fallen leaves or debris that could attract bugs.
Introduce Beneficial Insects
Beneficial insects like ladybugs can help keep bug populations in check. You can introduce them to your jade plant’s environment either by buying them online or attracting them with flowering plants.
Quarantine New Plants
If you bring home a new jade plant, it’s best to quarantine it in a separate room away from your other plants. This will help prevent any pests from spreading to the rest of your collection.
Regular Inspections
Check your jade plant regularly for any signs of pest infestation. If you spot any bugs, take action immediately to prevent them from spreading.
Following these tips can keep your jade plant healthy and pest-free.