Does Snake Plant Attract Bugs?
Last Updated on July 27, 2024
Snake plants are often known as insect-repellant plants. They produce a bitterly toxic chemical Saponin that protects it against insects and herbivores. But still, there are risks that they can be attacked by pests and bugs. And it depends on the environment you have provided it.
Snake Plants are not known for attracting bugs. They are often praised for their ability to purify indoor air by removing toxins. The thick leaves of the Snake Plant contain compounds that make them less appealing to most pests.
While no plant can guarantee complete immunity from bugs, Snake Plants are considered relatively low-maintenance and resistant to common pests. Proper care, such as avoiding overwatering and providing adequate sunlight, can help maintain the health of the plant and reduce the likelihood of pest issues.
Under What Cicumstances Snake Plants Attract Bugs?
Highly Humid Atmosphere
A high rate of humidity offers an ideal culture for pest breeding. High humidity means that the plant is unable to evaporate water so it absorbs enough nutrients from the soil.
Excessive absorption of nutrients from the soil will lead to root rot and the leaves of the snake plant will eventually turn pale and wither away.
Also Read About: Do Snake Plants Attract Snakes
Poor Ventilation
Snake plants need an airy environment to bloom. If it is placed in a congested area where the flow of oxygen is minimal, it can make your plant sick.
The leaves of your plant will start drooping and their edges will become rusty brown. It will also attract bugs and mites to eat that rotten plant.
Excessive Watering
Overwatering your snake plant is the leading cause of pest attacks. They find a safe moist environment to live in when you overfeed your snake plant with water. The culture is better when the leaves of the plant are moist enough.
So try to use the accurate technique to water snake plants, lest they become the home of these tiny creatures.
Common Diseases of Snake Plant
Root Rot
The roots of the plant will start degenerating if they do not find an ideal environment. Snake plants are slightly root-bound. On the other hand, they are succulents.
They store extra water in their leaves to use in case of drought. But pouring on excessive water will loosen the hold of its roots in the soil. It will invite the fungus to grow on the roots and prevent them from absorbing the essential nutrients.
Secondly, if the pot of your snake plant has poor drainage and does not allow the excess water to flow through it. It will end up in root rot, inviting the pests to dwell on it.
Southern Blight
If you have planted your snake plant in an area with high moisture, know that it may catch southern blight. In this disease, the fungus is transferred through microbes via soil that is fed with contaminated water.
This disease indicates that dew-like spots start to appear on the leaves. This will gradually lead to the decay of the leaves within a few days. It is better to prune the defected part of the leave to control the spread of the disease to healthy parts.
Sooty Mold
It is a fungal disease that is caused by honeydew secreted by some insects as a residue. It turns into a blackish-grey layer on plants’ leaves.
Overlapping of this blackish trial on the plant’s outer surface obstructs the sunlight from passing through it. Hence hampering the process of growth in the snake plant.
It can be dealt with while spraying anti-fungal spray. Keep in mind not to use any chemical-based spray as it will harm your snake plant on various fronts. Try to use organic pest-repelling sprays, such as baking soda infused in water.
Common Pests That Can Attack Snake Plant
Mealy Bugs
Mealybugs are tiny white creatures that have soft cotton-like skin. They may be destructive enough if they are present in large numbers. They suck from the leaf’s sap and excrete the honeydew in return.
Resultantly the leaves of the snake plant will start developing sooty mold that can lead to its decay.
Thrips
Thrips are destructive pests that suck the juices from plants’ leaves and destroy their epidermal layer.
They have fringes which they use for making holes in snake plants’ leaves. After their bite, the surface of the leaf turns dusty brown.
Aphids
They are small insects that can make your snake plant their prey. They feed on plant sap and eventually stunt its growth. Secondly, discolouration of your plant is the very reason for existing aphids.
They can be dealt with by using homemade insect repelling sprays. The use of dishwashing cleaner is proven to be an effective remedy to restrict their growth.
Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats love damp and moist environments for breeding. They often attack the snake plants whose leaves have been over-watered and are moist enough.
If you find sudden sluggish growth of your snake plant and it leaves turning yellow and falling apart, it might be due to the presence of fungus gnats on your plant.
Spider Mites
They often attack the stomata of the plant and suck all the essential nutrients from it. Spider mats cannot be seen through the naked eye.
If you notice small webs under the leaves of your snake plant, it confirms the presence of spider mites on your plant.
Scales
Scales are mostly found on indoor plants. They need moist habitats to grow. Their heavy infestation will suffocate the snake plant and cut their oxygen supply.
They also cause harm to the newly born leaves of the snake plant and slow down its normal growth.
How to Get Rid of Bugs from Snake Plants
As we know chemical-based insecticides are not only hazardous to human health but may also damage the health of your snake plant. So it is recommended to use such products like pyrethrum, rosemary oil, and neem oil.
These products are environment friendly and their infusion will have considerable effects on restricting the insects from growing. And will not cause any harm to your snake plant.
Pyrethrum
It is a natural insecticide derived from the flower Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium. It is commonly known as the Dalmation flower. Daises are rich source of Pyrethrum.
We recommend planting this flower around the borders of your garden. It has a strong odour and contains Pyrethrum that suffocates the insects by targeting their nervous system.
It is non-toxic for humans and is applied to kill head lice mites etc. You can use 500 grams of dried daisy flowers and infuse them in 3 to 4 litres of kerosene oil for 48 hours and then use this spray as an insecticide for your plants.
You can also simmer a handful of fresh daisy flowers in 3 litres of water. Let it cool and then use this mixture immediately on the affected parts of your plant as an insecticide.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is used as an anti-fungal and anti-pest in old times. Its application is still beneficial if your plant is attacked by aphids, white flies, spider mites and various other harmful insects.
It has an element called Azadirachti that targets the insect’s urge to feed on leaves. Its pungent sulfur-like smell along with its bitter taste inhibits the pests from staying away from your plants.
We recommend smearing neem oil on the defective part of the plant every 7-14 days, or according to the severity of the disease of your snake plant.
But keep in mind that excessive use of neem oil can be harmful to plants and beneficial insects.
Make sure that the application of neem oil must not be done in direct sunlight as it has heat-absorbent elements and may sunburn your snake plant.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary contains elements like carnosic acid and carnosol. They have anti-microbial and anti-pest properties that deter the insects to make your snake plant their permanent residence.
It has an element called eucalyptol that has a camphor-like smell that irritates pests.
Use 5 to 10 drops of rosemary oil and dilute it in a cup of water. Also, add a tablespoon or two of dishwashing liquid to dilute the oil and for easy spread of this infusion. For better results you need to spray this homemade liquid once a week.
Soap Spray
Soap spray is also effective in repelling these crawling creatures. You can prepare it by mixing one and a half tablespoons of liquid soap in one quart of water. Also few drops of oil to make the mixture sticky.
Apply this mixture to the infected parts of the plant. Keep in mind that this mixture must not be used in the daytime because it can sunburn your plant and may damage its leaves.
Change the Soil Altogether
If the soil you are using had ever remained a home to insects before you planted your snake plant in it.
Chances are that snake plants will get caught by insect infestation. So try treating that soil with fertilizers and insecticides that can restrict their growth.
It is better to report and alter the soil altogether to avoid the risk of insect attack.
Use Sterilize Tools
It is important to mention here that the use of infected tools can contribute to the spread of disease.
So it is better to clean the tools like scissors when you use them on the defective part. Like us, human plants are also contagious to diseases and are vulnerable to catching them.
Try the Bottom Watering Technique
It is an effective method to water your snake plant using a bottom-up approach. Following this method will not only conserve the water but also ensure the provision of water as per the requirement of the plant. It also lowers the rate of humidity as water is not evaporated easily.
Feeding the plant from above may harm its foliage is the main reason for root damage. This method can also overcome this problem because water is being provided gradually via roots.
Make sure that drainage holes are present at the bottom of your pot. Use a deep saucer or a tray to place that pot and check the water level regularly. You can also use a self-watering planter for your snake plant.
Conclusion
Snake plants are the most forgiving plants in terms of care. They need less heed and management, unlike other indoor plants. However, complete negligence can make them vulnerable to the invasion of different pests and diseases.
Making the conditions favourable and giving them proper care and time will not only cure your Sansevieria but will also prevent it from insect infestation in future.
