Managing insect pests on houseplants

  • Scale insects may be dining on your houseplants if you notice a sticky substance on its leaves and bumps on the upper and lower surface of the plant’s leaves and stems. MELINDAMYERS.COM | COURTESY PHOTO
    Scale insects may be dining on your houseplants if you notice a sticky substance on its leaves and bumps on the upper and lower surface of the plant’s leaves and stems. MELINDAMYERS.COM | COURTESY PHOTO
A sticky substance on plant leaves, plant stands and the floor are often the first clue alerting gardeners to a problem on houseplants. If a closer look reveals bumps on the upper and lower surface of leaves and stems, it means scale insects have moved in to dine on your plants. Severe infestations can cause leaf yellowing, stunting and dieback of the plant. If you have battled these insects,…

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