How to avoid pests in plants

Plants, both those outdoors and indoors, can be attacked by different pests. Some are more damaging than others, but all of them appear for the same reason : the health of their victims is weakened or is weakening.

For this reason, it is very important to know the different needs of each of the species that we are cultivating, since that will be the only really effective way to prevent them from ending up with mealybugs, aphids or other parasites. So, let ‘s see how to avoid pests in plants ... without the need for pesticides.

Index

  • 1 Know the needs of your plants
    • 1.1 Needs of trees and shrubs
    • 1.2 Bonsai needs
    • 1.3 Needs of cacti and succulents
    • 1.4 Needs of carnivores
    • 1.5 Needs of palm trees
    • 1.6 Needs of flowering plants (bulbos, perennials, perennials and annuals)
  • 2 Acquire pest-repellent plants

Know the needs of your plants

opuntia

Once we have acquired a plant or several, we have to do a little research to know where to place them, how often to water them, when to pay them, etc. Since so many different plants are sold in nurseries, I am going to give you a guide that may be useful to start with:

Needs of trees and shrubs

  • Location : Full sun, except for a few species that grow best in semi-shade such as Japanese maples , azaleas , camellias , or gardenias .
  • Irrigation : every 2-3 days in summer, and every 4-5 days the rest of the year.
  • Substrate (if kept in a pot) : it will depend on the species and the climate, but most can grow well in universal culture substrate mixed with 30% perlite. If they are acid-loving plants living in a warm climate, it is highly recommended to plant them in sandy substrates, such as akadama.
  • Soil (if in soil): Most do well in a neutral soil, except acidophiles who prefer a soil with a pH between 4 and 6 (heather soil).
  • Fertilizer : in spring and summer they should be fertilized with preferably organic or mineral fertilizers.
  • Transplant : at the end of winter.
  • Pruning : in autumn or at the end of winter, but you should know that not all species tolerate it and it is better not to prune others, since it would spoil their natural shape and appearance that they acquire as they grow, such as flamboyant trees.

bonsai necessities

Acer palmatum bonsai
  • Location : it will depend on the species, but generally they should be placed in semi-shade.
  • Irrigation : frequent in summer, somewhat less the rest of the year. The substrate must be prevented from drying out between waterings.
  • Substrate : A good mix is ​​70% Akadama + 30% Kiryuzuna.
  • Pruning : in autumn or at the end of winter.
  • Wired : in spring.
  • Transplant : at the end of winter.
  • Subscriber : during the spring and summer they must be paid with specific fertilizers for bonsai.

Needs of cacti and succulents

Echeveria derenbergensis
  • Location : full sun.
  • Irrigation : every 3 days in summer, and every 4-5 days the rest of the year.
  • Substrate (if you have them in a pot) : you can use peat mixed with perlite in equal parts, but I recommend that you use sandy substrates ( akadama , pumice).
  • Soil (if they are on land): it must have good drainage.
  • Fertilizer : during the spring and summer they must be fertilized with mineral fertilizers, such as Nitrofoska. The dose is one small spoonful every 15 days.
  • Transplant : in spring or summer.

needs of carnivores

Dionaea
  • Location : Full sun or semi-shade depending on the species.
  • Irrigation : frequent in summer, somewhat less the rest of the year. Use rainwater or osmosis.
  • Substrate – Will generally grow well in peat moss mixed with equal parts perlite.
  • Transplant : in spring.

Palm needs

phoenix dactylifera
  • Location : Full sun or semi-shade depending on the species.
  • Irrigation : every 3 days in summer, and every 4 or 5 the rest of the year.
  • Substrate (if kept in a pot): the following mixture can be used: 60% black peat + 30% perlite + 10% coconut fiber .
  • Soil (if on land) : Depends on species, but generally prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
  • Fertilizer : in spring and summer they must be fertilized with organic fertilizers, either liquid if they are in a pot or powder if they are on the ground.
  • Transplant : late winter or early spring.
  • Pruning : remove dry leaves in the fall.

Needs of flowering plants (bulbos, perennials, perennials and annuals)

Thought
  • Location : Full sun or semi-shade, depending on the species.
  • Irrigation : frequent, every 2 days in summer and every 3-4 days the rest of the year.
  • Substrate (if they are kept in a pot) : they are not demanding, they can grow in a universal cultivation substrate.
  • Soil (if on land) : They generally grow in all types of soil, but prefer those that have good drainage.
  • Fertilizer : in spring and summer they can be fertilized with fertilizers for flower plants or universal.
  • Transplant : in spring.

Acquire pest-repellent plants

lavender plants

There are a number of plants that repel pests, such as lavender , nettle or thyme . Acquire them to avoid aphids, mealybugs and others. 

By following our advice, your plants will have no more pests, for sure

How to avoid pests in plants

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