Hey everyone! I'm dealing with a persistent aphid problem on my indoor plants, mainly my string of pearls and string of hearts. They previously attacked one of my Oncidium orchids, but after treating it, they haven't returned to that one. I've tried various remedies like neem oil, dish soap, and even Mosquito Bits (recommended by my mom), but nothing seems to work. I hadn't watered the plants for over a month, waiting for the aphids to disappear, but I recently watered them and saw a few of the little critters back. I'm starting to wonder if they're hiding in the soil. Should I just give up, or is there something more effective I can try?
5 Answers
Have you considered using a systemic insecticide? This could be more effective for indoor plants. Also, try insecticidal soap if you haven't already; it's another good option for getting rid of aphids.
For a more intense method, you could try mixing 70% isopropyl alcohol with soaked tobacco leaves and cayenne peppers for a week, then diluting it with water. Just be careful with the fumes when applying!
Just a heads up, Mosquito Bits only target certain insects like those in the diptera order; aphids don’t fall into that category. They actually like stressed plants, so overwatering them isn't going to help. I recommend using a combination pesticide that has insecticidal soap and a systemic treatment. It's crucial to reapply according to the product's instructions to catch any new aphids that might emerge.
Aphids can reproduce really quickly because they can be born pregnant, so while you're tackling them on some plants, they might still be hiding on others. Make sure to treat all your plants at the same time, focusing on both sides of the leaves and the stems. It helps to do this in the bathtub. After that, rinse them off and clean the surfaces around your plants. Keep repeating the treatment weekly until you've completely eradicated them.
You might want to plant some balloon milkweed nearby. It attracts aphids away from other plants, which could help protect your roses or other indoor plants. Just a thought!