House Plant Pests & Diseases: Identification, Prevention & Organic Solutions

Even with the best care, houseplants sometimes develop problems. Learn to identify and tackle pests (spider mites, aphids, fungus) and diseases with effective solutions.

Preventing Problems

Most bugs and diseases arrive with new plants. Inspect thoroughly before buying:

• Brown spots, holes, nibbled edges = pest/disease signs
• Visible insects = don't bring home
• Powdery mildew (white dusty fungus) = don't buy
• Gray fuzzy mold = don't buy

Quarantine new plants for a month to protect your collection.

House Plant Diseases

Healthy plants resist disease best. Stress (improper water, light) increases vulnerability. Many problems treatable if caught early—prevention beats cure.

Poor air circulation + high humidity = powdery mildew (white dusty fungus on leaves/flowers). African violets and begonias especially susceptible. Remove dead flowers/leaf stems promptly—fungus thrives on dead tissue.

Common House Plant Pests

• Whiteflies: Tiny white moths; fly when plant shaken; lurk on leaf undersides
• Mealybugs: Small, white, fuzzy; feed at leaf axils/under leaves; eggs in cottony masses; some species attack roots
• Aphids: Attack new growth—young leaves, buds, flowers
• Spider mites: Tiny specks on webbing under leaves and between stems
• Scale: Flat, brown, hard-shelled; cling to stems under leaves
• Thrips: Tiny, thin, dark; adults have fuzzy wings but hop
• Fungus gnats: Tiny black flies with transparent wings; hover/crawl on soil; eggs/larvae in soil

Organic Control

First, wipe insects off with damp cloth or soapy water. If needed, neem oil insecticide—organic solution for many pests and some fungi.