How to Keep Pests Away from Your Houseplants Naturally

Nothing is more frustrating than discovering pests on your beloved houseplants. Whether it's spider mites on your Cebu Blue Pothos, fungus gnats in your Philodendron Brasil, or mealybugs attacking your Begonia Maculata, pests can quickly damage plants if left untreated.

The good news? With the right preventative measures and natural treatments, you can keep your plants pest-free without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Common Houseplant Pests

Before tackling pest control, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with. Some of the most common plant pests include:

1. Spider Mites 🕷️ – Tiny, web-spinning pests that cause yellowing leaves.
2. Mealybugs 🐞 – Small, white, cotton-like bugs that suck plant sap.
3. Fungus Gnats 🪰 – Tiny flying insects that breed in moist soil.
4. Aphids 🌱 – Green or black insects that cluster on stems and leaves.
5. Thrips 🌿 – Slender, fast-moving pests that cause stippling on leaves.
6. Scale 🏵️ – Hard-shelled pests that attach to stems and leaves.
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How to Prevent Pests from Infesting Your Plants

1. Inspect New Plants Before Bringing Them Home

New plants can carry hidden pests. Always check the leaves, stems, and soil before adding a new plant to your collection.

Tip: Quarantine new plants for 1-2 weeks before placing them near your other plants.

2. Keep Plants Clean

Dust and debris can attract pests, so regularly wipe your plants’ leaves with a damp cloth or a mild neem oil solution.

Tip: Begonia Maculata and Calathea White Fusion have delicate leaves—use a soft brush instead of wiping.

3. Maintain Proper Watering & Airflow

Pests thrive in stagnant, overly damp conditions. To prevent infestations:

✅ Avoid overwatering—fungus gnats love moist soil!

✅ Use pots with drainage holes.

✅ Place a fan near plants to improve airflow and discourage pests.

4. Use Cinnamon or Sand to Prevent Fungus Gnats

If you struggle with gnats in your Philodendron Brasil or Cebu Blue Pothos, try sprinkling cinnamon or a thin layer of horticultural sand on top of the soil. This disrupts their lifecycle and prevents eggs from hatching.

Natural Remedies to Eliminate Pests

🪴 Neem Oil Spray

A natural pesticide that kills pests and prevents future infestations.

How to Use: Mix 1 teaspoon neem oil, ½ teaspoon mild soap, and 1 quart of water. Spray on leaves and stems every few days until pests are gone.

🐞 Insecticidal Soap

Kills soft-bodied pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.

How to Use: Mix a few drops of unscented dish soap with water and spray affected areas.

🌿 Rubbing Alcohol for Mealybugs & Scale

Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove mealybugs and scale insects.

🪰 Sticky Traps for Fungus Gnats

Place yellow sticky traps near your plants to capture adult gnats and stop them from reproducing.