Read about the nasty Pests that love ZZ Plants- And How to Stop Them Naturally with this informative article.
ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are strong and low-maintenance houseplants. But like any indoor plant, they can sometimes attract pests. Even though ZZ plants have tough, waxy leaves and are known to be resistant to many problems, certain bugs still find their way to them. Thankfully, there are natural ways to handle these pests without using harsh chemicals.
Pests that Love ZZ Plants
1. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests related to spiders and ticks. They usually gather on the undersides of leaves and harm plants by sucking out their juices. Different kinds of spider mites can attack both indoor and outdoor plants.
One of the first signs you might notice is a light webbing on the leaves or stems. The leaves may also start to look dusty, dry, or speckled in color.
To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with a mix of water and mild dish soap or neem oil. You can wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth, which can also help. Since spider mites love dry air, it’s also useful to mist your plant occasionally to raise the humidity.
2. Mealybugs
Mealybugs look like little white cotton balls and often hide in the spots where the leaves meet the stems. They feed on the plant’s sap, making it weak over time.
Use plain water to knock the bugs off the plant while they are feeding.
Spray neem oil on the plant to deter bugs from returning. Neem oil is safe for bees but kills mealybugs, so it’s a good choice if you want to protect pollinators.
To kill mealybugs directly, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and wipe the bugs with it.
3. Scale Insects
Scale insects appear as small brown or tan bumps, often on stems or the undersides of leaves. They might look like part of the plant, but they’re actually pests feeding on it.
To remove them, gently scrape them off using a soft toothbrush or cloth. Then, spray the plant with a mixture of neem oil and water. Repeating this treatment every few days can help eliminate them.
4. Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats are tiny black flies that are often seen flying around the soil surface. Their larvae live in moist soil and feed on decaying material and sometimes plant roots.
To deal with fungus gnats, allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again. You can also place sticky yellow traps near the plant to catch the adult gnats. Another helpful trick is to cover the top of the soil with a thin layer of sand or small stones to keep gnats from laying eggs.
5. Aphids
Aphids are soft-bodied insects that come in colors like green, brown, or black. They tend to gather around tender new growth or on the undersides of leaves.
To remove them, try spraying the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. You can also apply neem oil or a gentle insecticidal soap solution to control them. If your ZZ plant is outdoors, you could also encourage natural predators like ladybugs to keep the aphid population under control.
Extra Tips to Keep ZZ Plants Pest-Free Naturally
Regularly wiping the leaves keeps dust away and discourages pests from settling in. Avoid overwatering your ZZ plant, as soggy soil can attract insects like fungus gnats. Always inspect any new plants you bring home to make sure they’re pest-free before placing them near your ZZ plant. Lastly, keep your indoor space well-ventilated to promote airflow and reduce the chances of pests taking over.
