Do Houseplants Really Attract Bugs?
Asked by GardenGnome93
I'm really anxious about bugs and I've heard that having houseplants might bring more of them into my home. Recently, my orchid got spider mites, and I freaked out trying to wipe them off. Luckily, they haven't come back yet, but I've started to water it less. Is this a good idea? Should I be concerned about more unpleasant bugs? And is that why some people bake their potting soil? Do I need to do that all the time? Thanks for bearing with my questions!
Answers
Cutting back on watering might actually make your pest problem worse! Spider mites thrive in drier conditions, and a dehydrated plant is more vulnerable. Water your orchid as needed—when the roots look silvery means it’s dry. As for bugs, they’re pretty common, so don’t stress too much. From harmless fungus gnats to aggressive pests like mites and aphids, it’s part of the deal with plants. Just keep an eye on new plants and quarantine them, don’t bring produce near your plants, and brush off your clothes. About baking your soil, it’s usually not necessary unless you suspect pests in it, as it can kill beneficial microorganisms too!
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BugPhobiaBuster: Thanks for the insight! I thought watering less would help keep the mites away. Now I'm relieved to know that’s not true. One thing I’m worried about—will these bugs mainly stay on the plants, or could I end up with them flying around my house? I’m hesitant to Google it because I hate seeing bug pics.