Foliage Plant Disease & Pest Guide

When growing houseplants, pest and disease problems are inevitable at some point. Early detection and prompt treatment are the most important ways to protect your plants. Learn to recognize common symptoms and remedies.

Common Pests and Remedies

Spider Mites - **Symptoms**: Tiny white or brown mites on leaf undersides; leaves become pale and speckled - **Preferred conditions**: Hot, dry environments (common after the rainy season ends in summer) - **Treatment**: Wash leaf undersides with water. Apply miticide (such as malathion). Regular misting to increase humidity helps prevent infestations

Scale Insects - **Symptoms**: White powdery or waxy masses attached to stems and leaf undersides. Can also cause sooty mold - **Treatment**: Physically remove with cotton swabs or brushes. Wiping with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs is also effective. Horticultural oil sprays work well

Aphids - **Symptoms**: Small insects clustering on new growth and stems; leaves curl and discolor - **Treatment**: Wash off with water or use insecticide (such as Sumithion or Ortho systemic). Milk spray or soapy water can be temporarily effective

Fungus Gnats - **Symptoms**: Small black flies hovering around the soil surface. Larvae feed on roots and organic matter in soil - **Treatment**: Allow the soil surface to dry out. Prevent root rot. Set up yellow sticky traps

Common Diseases and Remedies

Root Rot - **Symptoms**: Lower leaves yellow and wilt. Roots appear black and decayed when removed from pot - **Cause**: Overwatering and poor drainage - **Treatment**: Trim rotted roots, allow to dry, then repot in fresh soil

Leaf Burn (Sunscorch) - **Symptoms**: Leaves turn white or brown as if scorched - **Cause**: Direct sunlight or excessive heat - **Treatment**: Move to a shadier location. Remove damaged leaves

Powdery Mildew - **Symptoms**: White powdery mold spreads on leaf surfaces - **Treatment**: Remove affected leaves. Apply fungicide (baking soda-based or commercial fungicides)

Anthracnose - **Symptoms**: Brown spots spread on leaves with gray centers - **Treatment**: Cut and dispose of infected leaves. Water at the base and avoid wetting foliage

Prevention Basics

• Ensure good air circulation: Don't overcrowd plants; avoid direct air conditioning drafts
• Leaf misting: Helps prevent spider mites and scale insects
• Regular leaf inspection: Make a habit of checking leaf undersides 1-2 times per month

Find Houseplants on Bri-Choku

In the Houseplants category, you can purchase healthy plants directly from growers. You can also verify pest and disease management practices before purchasing, giving you peace of mind.