How do I prevent pests on my houseplants?

The best prevention is keeping your plants healthy. A well-fed, properly watered plant is far more resistant to pests than a stressed one. Always inspect new plants before bringing them indoors and quarantine them for two to four weeks to avoid introducing pests to your existing collection.

How do I get rid of spider mites on houseplants?

Spider mites are one of the most common houseplant pests. Increase humidity around the plant, as mites thrive in dry conditions. Wipe down leaves with a damp cloth or spray with insecticidal soap, making sure to cover both sides of the leaves. Repeat treatments every few days until the infestation is gone.

What are the white cottony spots on my houseplant?

White, cottony clusters on your plant are likely mealybugs. Remove visible insects with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, then treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Check all leaf axils and undersides thoroughly, as mealybugs tend to hide in hard-to-reach areas.

How do I identify and treat scale on houseplants?

Scale insects appear as small, flat, brown or tan bumps along stems and the undersides of leaves. They are easy to overlook because they do not move. Scrape them off manually and treat the plant with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Repeat applications are usually necessary to break the life cycle.

Does Costa Farms use pesticides on its plants?

Costa Farms uses beneficial insects as part of its integrated pest management approach, which reduces the need for chemical pesticides and supports more sustainable, earth-friendly growing practices.

Prevent and protect from pests

Pest Control

When a plant’s roots start to fill the pot, it’s called being rootbound. Most houseplants tolerate being rootbound pretty well but grow better if repotted every year or two, especially if you want them to grow big and beautiful.

Make it easy with these step-by-step tips

Quarantining

You might think of houseplants as décor, but in nature they’re habitat. When you first get a new plant, keep it separated from your other plants for a few weeks. If it has pests, you can prevent them from spreading.