Identification and Control Methods for Common Pests of Pilea
Scarab Beetles
Scarab beetles are invertebrates and are considered omnivorous, eating just about anything. Different species live in different environments, such as deserts, farmland, forests and grasslands; in short, they can be seen just about anywhere. There are many species of scarab beetles, and common ones include the red-legged green scarab beetle, the black velvety scarab, the northeastern black chafer, the copper-green shining scarab, the copper-green scarab beetle, the Korean black scarab beetle, the tawny scarab beetle, the dark black scarab beetle, and the pine scarab beetle. Any one of them can spell the end for a Pilea.
Damage Symptoms
Actually, scarab beetles are not that scary; in the cartoon "Insect Scarab," the scarab beetle is a good friend to humans. Scarab beetles mainly parasitize plant leaves, chewing on the leaves. One scarab beetle is not frightening; what is frightening is a whole swarm of scarab beetles. If not controlled in time, the plant will soon be reduced to a net, with no leaves left at all.
Control Methods
The larvae of scarab beetles usually live in the soil, so the soil should be sterilized year-round before planting. If you spot a larva, remove it promptly; once they multiply, they are very difficult to eliminate.
When there are many scarab beetles, chemical treatment can be used. Remember to choose insecticides as much as possible, not pure pesticides; although the insecticidal effect is relatively good, it will have a certain impact on the plant's subsequent growth. After spraying the chemical, water the roots to prevent residual eggs in the soil.
Common Pests of Pilea
Pilea Pest: Scarab Beetles
Scarab beetles are invertebrates and are considered omnivorous, eating just about anything. Different species live in different environments, such as deserts, farmland, forests and grasslands; in short, they can be seen just about anywhere. There are many species of scarab beetles, and common ones include the red-legged green scarab beetle, the black velvety scarab, the northeastern black chafer, the copper-green shining scarab, the copper-green scarab beetle, the Korean black scarab beetle, the tawny scarab beetle, the dark black scarab beetle, and the pine scarab beetle. Any one of them can spell the end for a Pilea.
Pilea Pest: Damage Symptoms
Actually, scarab beetles are not that scary; in the cartoon "Insect Scarab," the scarab beetle is a good friend to humans. Scarab beetles mainly parasitize plant leaves, chewing on the leaves. One scarab beetle is not frightening; what is frightening is a whole swarm of scarab beetles. If not controlled in time, the plant will soon be reduced to a net, with no leaves left at all!
Pilea Pest: Control Methods
The larvae of scarab beetles usually live in the soil, so the soil should be sterilized year-round before planting. If you spot a larva, remove it promptly; once they multiply, they are very difficult to eliminate.
When there are many scarab beetles, chemical treatment can be used. Remember to choose insecticides as much as possible, not pure pesticides; although the insecticidal effect is relatively good, it will have a certain impact on the plant's subsequent growth. After spraying the chemical, water the roots to prevent residual eggs in the soil.
What should you do if the leaves of your Pilea dry out?
1. Insufficient light causes the leaves to dry out. Although Pilea is shade-tolerant, if it is placed in a spot with insufficient light for a long time, the leaves are very likely to dry out. Pilea is best grown indoors in a spot with plenty of bright, indirect light.
2. Improper watering causes the leaves to dry out. Pilea should be watered thoroughly as soon as the surface soil dries out; do not let it stay in a drought-stressed state.
3. Temperatures that are too low in winter cause frost damage, which makes the leaves dry out. In winter, place it indoors in a warmer spot, and take protective measures when necessary. Be sure not to place it near drafty doors or windows where it can suffer frost damage.
4. Placing it near air-conditioning vents or around radiators can also easily cause this phenomenon in the leaves. Do not grow it in these places.
5. Over-fertilizing burns the roots and causes problems with the leaves. At this point, stop fertilizing, or fertilize only sparingly. If the situation is severe, repot it and replace the soil.
Just like dry Pilea leaves, Pilea pests also cause relatively great harm to the plant. Let's take a closer look below.