How to get rid of Aphids on Hibiscus? (Fast & Easy Way)
Hibiscus plants are just like others that can be attacked by pear-shaped minute pests called aphids. Aphids are the most common pests that you will see on stressed plants. Hibiscus is such a pretty plant that can easily get attracted by the aphids that munch on the leaves sap and even the delicious-looking flowers. How to get rid of Aphids on Hibiscus?
Key takeaways:
- There are a wide variety of aphids depending on the plant like mint, basil, lemon trees, and lettuce but hibiscus melon aphids mostly attack the hibiscus plants that are under environmental stress or other reasons.
- It is not difficult to get rid of aphids on Hibiscus such as soap spray usage, neem oil, insecticidal soap, water with a hose, and many more explained below.
- Melon aphids are also called black aphids and make the plant even weaker with time and they ultimately die.
- It is high time that if you have noticed aphids below the surface of leaves or near the stem of the hibiscus, take action now!
We will tell you effective ways to get rid of aphids on hibiscus plants. So stick with us and continue reading!
How to get rid of aphids on hibiscus plants effectively?
Follow the below-mentioned ways to get rid of aphids on hibiscus plants effectively:
1. Use the insects that eat aphids
The aphids are usually seen to attack the young and tender leaves. The leaves that are weak and soft can easily get attacked by aphids. If there are aphids on the young leaves or the plant is recently being attacked by aphids we suggest you attract some beneficial predators near the hibiscus plant.
Many wasps, beetles, and other insects love to feed on aphids. You can plant herbs like mint, dill, and thyme near the hibiscus plant which has a strong aroma too. Aphids hate the strong smell. The insects will come near the plant and will attack the small population of aphids.
2. Use soap spray
We understand you want something that is not much strong for the plants and still does the work really well. Then that is the soap solution. Mix the soap with water and pour the solution into the spraying bottle. Then spray the plant with the soap solution.
The soap solution is a great option and remedy to get rid of aphids and other harmful insects. The insecticidal soap solutions are also great at performing a great aphid repellent.
“Plants or humans, no one grow well without love or care”
– By M S Mehra
3. Use neem oil or horticultural oil
We understand you need something organic and natural that is not harmful to your hibiscus plant and even the other plants in your garden. Use neem oil or any horticultural oil. Using neem oil will scare the aphids away and even kill them. Neem oil is a natural pesticide.
You can also use the essential oil of garlic, rosemary, lavender, etc. they also work really well with killing the aphids. You can use a spray bottle to spray some on the infested plant part or can use gloves and touch the surface having essential oil on the fingers.
4. Wash the plant with a water jet
Wash the hibiscus plant with the water jet through a hose. The aphids don’t fly away at all, they don’t have wings. They are simply attacked on the surface of the leaves or stems of plants. You need to use a powerful stream of water over the plant so that aphids are washed away.
It is important that the aphids are washed in a direction where there are not many plants. Also, the plant should be strong enough for this method to tolerate the jet of water.
5. Use diatomaceous earth
It is really important that you use dichotomous earth in very small quantities depending on the need and level of infestation. Many insects get harmed by the DE.
Even the beneficial predators may also get affected by it. Just use the affected plant part in just a little quantity.
How to prevent the aphids from attacking the hibiscus plant?
- Keep the garden clean and hygienic. Dispose of the waste quickly.
- Remove the weeds as they can be the home of aphids that later reach the hibiscus plant and the other plants too.
- Water the plant properly as overwatered or even the underwatered hibiscus can get pest infestation.
- Prune the old leaves or the damaged leaves so that the healthy leaves can be saved. The young leaves should be kept clean and dry.
- Avoid overfertilization of hibiscus plants. It is even known that macronutrients like nitrogen also help in the aphid attack indirectly. As the nutrient helps in the new growths and younger leaves will easily be attacked by aphids.
What does an aphid attack look like?
Aphids are many colors depending on the species but on the hibiscus plant, you will see mostly green tiny bugs on the stems, branches, and leaves.
Even the black fungal-like growth also is an indication of the aphid’s attack on hibiscus plant parts.
If the hibiscus leaves have started to curl then it is high time for gardeners to look keenly at your hibiscus plants if there is any insect or pest infestation.
The black sooty appearance on the leaves usually occurs due to the honeydew that is secreted by the aphids and another sign that the aphids are there on the plant and need to be removed as they could kill your plant if ignored.
Final words of the context
Hibiscus plants commonly get attacked by the plant lice, called aphids. So you don’t need to get scared as the plant when overwatered or under any environmental changes that can cause stress on them, get aphids infestation as well. The ways that we have mentioned above are worth a try and will help you for sure. We hope this article was helpful to you. Happy healthy hibiscus!
FAQs
1. Will vinegar get rid of aphids?
Yes, indeed vinegar will help you get rid of aphids that are bothering the plants. The ants will also stay away from the targeted plant if vinegar is used. This is an organic way to keep the plant green and healthy while still getting the task done of repelling the pests.
2. How much vinegar do you put in a hibiscus?
It is suggested to use half to one cup of vinegar into a gallon of water i.e: 16 glasses of water, make a solution of vinegar, then pour it into the soil and make sure to keep the leaves dry and safe from the vinegar solution. You can also put polythene bags on the leaves while pouring the solution.