How To Get Rid Of Bugs on Pothos Plants: A Simple Guide

Pothos plants are considered beginner-friendly houseplants because of how easy they are to grow and care for. But they can sometimes attract pests that make them struggle. Bugs aren’t just an eyesore – they weaken your plant and can spread to others if not managed quickly.

In this guide we’ll go through methods to identify and treat common pests on pothos plants as well as preventive measures to keep them from coming back and steps you can follow today.

Common Pests Found on Pothos Plants

To deal with pests effectively you first need to know what you’re up against. Here’s an a table of common invaders and how to spot them:

Step-by-Step Treatment for Each Pest

Aphids

Aphids multiply fast, so act quickly when you notice them.
1. Blast Them Off:

• Take your pothos to the sink or shower.
• Use a strong stream of lukewarm water to wash off as many aphids as possible.

2. Soap Solution:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap with 1 liter of water.
• Spray thoroughly, making sure you coat the undersides of leaves where aphids like to hide.

3. Neem Oil:

• Neem oil works by interfering with aphid reproduction and feeding.
• Spray every 7-10 days until the infestation is gone.

4. DIY Garlic Spray:

• Blend a garlic clove with water and strain.
• Spray onto the plant as a natural aphid deterrent.

Spider Mites

Spider mites thrive in dry conditions so adjust the environment while treating.

1. Humidity Fix:

• Increase the humidity by misting your pothos regularly or placing it near a humidifier.
• A pebble tray with water beneath the plant also helps.

2. Alcohol Solution:

• Mix rubbing alcohol and water (1:3 ratio).
• Wipe leaves thoroughly to remove both mites and their eggs.

3. Essential Oil Spray:

• Add 10 drops of rosemary or peppermint oil to a liter of water.
• Spray the plant every 3-5 days until the mites are gone.

4. Predatory Mites:

Release natural predators like Phytoseiulus persimilis if the infestation persists.

Mealybugs

These pests spread quickly so early action is vital.

1. Alcohol Swabs:

• Dip a cotton swab in 70% isopropyl alcohol.
• Dab directly on mealybugs to kill them instantly.

2. Spray Treatment:

• Mix neem oil and water, or use insecticidal soap.
• Spray the entire plant, focusing on leaf nodes and undersides.

3. Prune Heavily Infested Areas:

Cut off any parts of the plant with large infestations to prevent spreading.

Scale

Scale insects are sneaky and tough, requiring persistence.

1. Manual Removal:

• Use a toothpick or fingernail to scrape off visible scales.
• Check all surfaces of the leaves and stems.

2. Oil Treatment:

Apply horticultural oil directly to the scales to smother them.

3. Regular Monitoring:

Check every week for new scales and repeat the treatment as necessary.

Fungus Gnats

Gnats are usually a sign of overwatering, so tackle the root cause.

1. Dry the Soil:

• Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out before watering.
• Fungus gnat larvae cannot survive in dry conditions.

2. Sticky Traps:

Place yellow sticky traps near the soil to catch adult gnats.

3. Beneficial Nematodes:

Introduce nematodes to the soil. These microscopic organisms feed on gnat larvae.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide Solution:

• Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 4 parts water.
• Pour it into the soil to kill larvae instantly.

Preventive Care Tips

Prevention is your best defense against pests. Follow these steps to keep your pothos thriving:

1. Regular Cleaning

• Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every two weeks to remove dust and potential pest eggs.
• Inspect leaves and stems during your cleaning routine.

2. Quarantine New Plants

• Isolate any new plants for at least two weeks before introducing them to your collection.
• Inspect thoroughly for pests during this time.

3. Soil Management

• Use well-draining soil to prevent soggy conditions that invite pests like fungus gnats.
• Think about mixing perlite or sand into the soil for better aeration.

4. Fertilizer Habits

• Over-fertilizing can weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to pests.
• Stick to a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

5. Keep the Area Tidy

Remove fallen leaves or plant debris from the pot and surrounding area to discourage pest breeding.

What If Natural Remedies Don’t Work?

Sometimes, infestations can be too severe for homemade solutions. In these cases, consider:

• Commercial Insecticides: Look for products labeled for indoor plants and follow instructions carefully.
• Systemic Treatments: Use systemic insecticides that are absorbed by the plant, targeting pests that feed on it.
• Repotting: If the infestation is in the soil, remove the plant, wash the roots thoroughly, and repot it in fresh soil.

How to Keep Pests Away Naturally

Here are some lesser-known tips to make your pothos less appealing to pests:

• Essential Oils as Repellents:
• Diffuse peppermint, clove or eucalyptus oil near your plants to keep bugs away.
• Companion Plants:
• Place plants like basil or marigold nearby; their strong scents repel many pests.
• Diatomaceous Earth:
• Sprinkle a light layer on the soil to kill crawling pests like fungus gnat larvae.

Final Thoughts

Pothos plants are resilient but even they aren’t immune to bugs. The key to keeping your pothos happy is vigilance, quick action and a little extra love.

As disappointing as pests can be, try to think of it as a challenge and a lesson learned. Stick with it and your pothos will be back to its healthy and green self very soon.