Indoor Plants : Q & A

What can I do if my plant has scale insects or mealy bugs?

As long as you keep your plants in good condition, they are not likely to develop these diseases. You can recognise scale insects by the microscopic scales on the underside of the leaves, close to the veins. Underneath the little scales there are tiny little insects that drink the plant’s juices. You will find mealy bugs in exactly the same spot, but they look different. They look like little wads of white fluff that protect the bug that is hiding underneath. Since they have such wonderful hiding methods and protection strategies, they are hard to reach with bug killer substances. Visit Stodels and ask our trained staff members to recommend the best product.

What can I do if my plant has red spider mite?

Red spider mites are little spiders that sit on the underside of the leaf. When there are too many of them, they will migrate towards the tips. The spiders are hardly visible to the human eye. The first sign of a red spider mite invasion is when little drops of water get stuck in tiny, almost invisible webs when you water your plant. When the invasion gets worse, the leaves will turn greyish or yellow. Red spider mite is difficult to overcome. The only remedy is that they hate cold water! Spray your plant twice a day with cold water, and make certain the water hits the undersides of the leaves or any other place where they might be hiding.

What can I do if my plant has aphids?

Aphids are tiny green or black insects that drink the plant’s juices with their special little snouts. They prefer the young sprouts as they are softer and more permeable. Aphids cause the plant to become crooked or to stop growing or blossoming. At Stodels you can buy special aphid greenfly killers, which mostly have a biological basis. You can also try spraying the plant with a mixture of lukewarm water, a low dose of methylated spirits and dishwashing soap. Do this in the evening, so that the sun does not burn your plant. Another old trick is to stick some garlic in the soil. Aphids do not seem to be fond of the smell of garlic.

How can I prevent my plants from falling ill?

When a plant is too dry or too wet, or when it gets either too much or too little sunlight, it experiences stress. Just like human beings, when a plant is stressed, it is more susceptible to insects and diseases. It is important to take good care of your plants and to read up on the particular species that you have. There are, however, some general rules: When a plant is too dry, it is easily attacked by red spider mites. Conversely, sudden or prolonged moisture can cause the roots to rot, so that the plant is no longer able to absorb any water.

How large will my plant grow?

Most indoor plants will not grow much larger than they were when you first bought them. Take good care of your house plants – water them with rainwater and feed with plant food every once in a while. Make certain they get enough light from the sun. After a while you can replant them into a bigger pot in order to give them space to grow. This way they can flourish and become large and beautiful. When they get too big, they can be pruned.

Can plants cause damage to human or animal health?

No, but remember that ornamental plants are for decoration only, not for consumption! Plants are actually healthy and benevolent to human beings and to animals.

My plant’s leaves are drooping, but the soil is still moist. How is this possible?

You may be somewhat overenthusiastic in taking care of your plants. When you water them too much, they will drown. Roots need not only water, but oxygen as well. When you pour too much water into a potted plant, there will not be enough air in the soil in order to provide the roots with oxygen. This way the roots will stop absorbing the water and the leaves will turn yellow or start to droop. Check for water at the bottom of the pot, and dispose of it. Do not water the plant until you find the soil has dried out a little. You might be lucky and your plant may recover.