Attention all cacti and succulent lovers! Are you tired of your plants looking like they have been through a war zone with discolored and distorted leaves? Well, look no further because the culprit is probably the tiny, winged pests known as thrips. These little pests are sneaky and hard to spot, but they are there, and they are hungry.
Thrips on plants can cause a lot of damage but don’t worry; you don’t have to give up on gardening just yet. They feed by puncturing the plant’s cells and sucking the plant sap out, leaving behind silvery or brownish scars.
In large numbers, they can cause significant damage to your beloved cacti and succulents, but don’t worry; there are ways to get rid of them and prevent them from returning. In this article, we will arm you with the knowledge and tools to identify, treat and prevent these pests from wreaking havoc on your cacti and succulents.
What Do Thrips Look Like?
Thrips are small, slender insects that are about 1/20 of an inch long. The color can vary, such as black, brown, yellow, or white. They have a pair of wings fringed with long hairs, and they have a unique shape of their body, which is elongated and narrow.
Thrips have a short life cycle. They lay eggs near crevices. These eggs hatch as nymphs and infest new growth and plant tissue to develop into adult thrips. Some thrips have distinct color patterns on their wings and body. Thrips on plants can be difficult to spot with the naked eye, but they appear as small dark-colored specks on the undersides of leaves, flowers, and fruit of houseplants. They also leave behind silvery or brownish scars on the plant after feeding.
Symptoms of Thrip Infestation:
- Discolored or distorted leaves: The thrips suck the sap from the leaves and flowers, causing discoloration and malformation. Like spider mites, many thrips species leave behind black spots on indoor plants.
- Silvery or brownish scars on leaves, flowers, and fruit: These marks left behind indicate the presence of thrips in the past.
- Curled leaves: Thrips can cause leaves to twist or curl as a result of their feeding. This indicates the need for immediate pest control.
- Small black or brown specks on leaves and stems: These are the thrips themselves; they are small and can be difficult to spot with the naked eye.
- Stunted growth: Thrips can inhibit the plant’s ability to grow properly.
- Reduced flower and fruit production: Thrips on plants can also reduce the number of flowers and fruits a plant produces.
It’s important to note that other pests or environmental factors can also cause these symptoms; thrips on plants might not be the culprit of any potential problems with a houseplant. A good way to confirm an infestation is to gently shake the plant over a white surface and look for small black or brown insects that move quickly.
If you suspect your houseplant has thrips, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further damage. You can keep your succulents healthy and thriving with the right treatment and prevention methods.
Thrips Treatment:
Chemical Methods:
- Insecticides: There are many chemical insecticides available to kill thrips on plants. It’s important to choose a product specifically labeled to target thrips and read the label carefully to ensure proper use and safety precautions.
- Application techniques: Chemical insecticides should be applied according to the label instructions, which may include using a sprayer or duster. It’s important to cover the leaves top and bottom for best results.
Downsides and risks: Chemical insecticides can harm beneficial insects and other wildlife; some may also be toxic to humans. It’s important to handle them with care and follow all safety precautions. Although it is an effective form of pest control, the downsides often outweigh the benefits.
Luckily, thrips damage is rarely fatal. In fact, most species of thrips are beneficial when in their larvae form. They feed on the host plant but combat other pests at the same time. However, new houseplants are most at risk of dying.
Natural Methods:
- Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural solution to pests derived from the neem tree. It can be used to control thrips by applying it to the leaves and stems of the affected plants.
- Horticultural oil: Horticultural oil is a type of mineral oil that can suffocate thrips and other pests by smothering them.
- Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap is a solution made from soap and water that can kill thrips by suffocating them.
- Sticky Traps: You can put down these traps to trap any thrips running around on the undersides of the leaves.
- Water Hose: Spray the foliage with a spray bottle, and any thrips infestation will have a hard time surviving.
- Dish Soap: An effective solution for pest management with no side effects at all.
Pros and cons: Natural remedies are generally safer for humans and the environment than chemical insecticides, but they may not be as effective. It’s important to follow the instructions and use them correctly.
Prevention:
- Proper sanitation: Keeping your garden clean and free of debris can help to reduce the number of thrips on plants. This includes removing dead leaves, flowers, and fruits and keeping the area around the plants free of weeds.
- Monitoring: Regularly inspecting for signs of thrips on plants and other pests can help to catch an infestation early before it becomes a serious problem.
- Purchasing new plants: When purchasing new plants, it’s important to inspect them for signs of thrips or other pests before bringing them home. Avoid buying plants with discolored or distorted leaves, silvery or brownish scars, or small black or brown specks.
- Natural predators: Encourage natural predators of thrips such as ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites to your garden. You can plant various flowering plants or use a predator insect release.
- Proper care: Proper care, such as providing the right amount of light, water, and fertilizer, can help to keep your plants healthy and less attractive to thrips and other pests.
Prevention is key in the battle against thrips. By following these tips, you can keep your cacti and succulents healthy, thrive, and reduce the need for heavy treatment. Regular monitoring and proper sanitation will help you detect thrips early, so you can take action before they cause serious damage.
We’ve covered the telltale signs of thrips on plants, the various methods of treatment from chemical warfare to natural remedies, and even some preventative measures to keep them at bay. Just remember, early detection is key, so keep those eyes peeled and shake those plants over a white surface to confirm an infestation.