PESTS AND DISEASES OF INDOOR HOUSE PLANTS

Quick look:
Common pests include: aphids, Fungus Gnats, Leafminers, Mealybugs, Scale, Shore Flies, Thirps, Whiteflies, and Spider Mite. The best way to fix the problem if you have then is to get ride of infested leafs or plants before others get the pest without letting it touch and infest other plants. Other ways to get rid of the pests include- insecticidal soap water, soapy cotton swabs, water blasting them off, colored sticky cards (depending on the pest), pesticides, insecticide, horticultural oil, or other beneficial insects. Pests cause problems suck as- killing some or part of plants, damaged leaves, honeydew, ants, mold, black speks on leaves, damaged roots, etc.

The main cause of disease in plants is problems in the environment. It can be caused by: other plants with diseases, still air, bacteria, surface moisture, too much salt, wounds/damage, etc. When plants are diseased they may have: dead plant tissue, yellowing, dead shoots, dying patches, rotting roots, or wilting. Diseases can be cured with sprays and dusts.

 The best way to prevent getting pests or diseases is to keep the plant healthy and not stressed. (Just like humans get sick when stressed)- that means correct watering habits (avoid overwatering), temperature, light, don't overfertilize, don't dry out the plant, don't put plants too close together, etc.


For information about plant pests, prevention, and treatment:

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/indoor/hgic2252.html

Common insect pests (damage they cause, and how to control them)

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/top-ten-garden-insect-pests

http://extension.missouri.edu/p/g7273

Indentify and fix what's wrong with your plant (disease, pests, nutrient deficiencies, pesticides, etc.)

http://gardening.about.com/od/gardenproblems/u/Garden_Pests_and_Problems.htm

Pest problem solver:

http://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/


Identify the plant disease and how to fix:

http://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/

http://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/common-plant-diseases-and-disorders-pictures

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/menu.disease.html