I've been battling a persistent whitefly issue on my plant. I've started using systemic granules, and they've helped a lot, but I'm unsure if I'm applying them correctly. When I notice a build-up of whiteflies on the leaves, should I just let the systemics do their thing and kill them off? I've also been taking the plant outside and spraying off the whiteflies, but I'm worried that might be counterproductive to the systemics. Any advice?
2 Answers
The systemics will work by killing the pests once they eat the leaves, but it's a good idea to also use a compatible spray insecticide (like insecticidal soap or spinosad) to manage the visible whiteflies. Just remember, when you take your plant outside, cover it with a bag to prevent whiteflies from flying away. And don’t forget to spray all parts, especially the undersides of the leaves to get better results.
When I apply the granules, I water them into the soil first, then spray the plant with insecticide. The granules take a few days to kick in, so combining them with a spray helps tackle the issue faster.
I've been washing off the whitefly eggs with just water when they're on the leaves. Is that okay? Am I supposed to just let them hatch and rely on the granules? I’m worried that washing them might wash off the pesticides too.