Houseplants bring both nature's beauty and pests indoors.
While houseplants bring the beauty of nature indoors, they also often bring the pests. In an indoor environment, natural pest-management systems are not present, often leading to infestations in houseplants. Fungus grants are not directly harmful to plants, but these tiny fly-like insects hatch and fly around the house near the plants. Fungus gnats are about 1/8 of an inch long with wings. Getting rid of fungus gnats requires a little patience but success is likely with perseverance. Fungus, though not as common, also attacks houseplants, but the treatment is similar. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Fungus Gnats
1. Fill a sink or bucket with enough water to cover the lip of the flowerpot by 1/2 to 1 inch. Submerge the pot in the water and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes.
2. Remove the pot from the water bath and set it aside to drain thoroughly. Allow the top 2 inches of the soil medium to dry out completely before watering again.
3. Treat the soil with a pyrethroid-based insecticide. Use insecticides as directed on the bottle. According to Colorado State University, repeat the treatment every three days until the infestation is gone.
Fungus
4. Identify fungus growing on the plants. It looks like a white powder or a gray mold on the leaves and stems.
5. Place the plant in the sink and wash the leaves with cool water. Rub off all traces of the fungus.
6. Treat the plant with fungicide. Home and garden centers sell formulas for houseplants designed to spray on and treat fungal infections. Spray the fungicide on the topside and the underside of all infected leaves. Repeat as necessary as indicated on the fungicide product label.
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