The aforementioned geraniums, surfinas, petunias are susceptible to attacks by Aphididae. These insects usually feed in colonies.Infected plant organs are deformed and affected plants are stunted in growth and flowering.The most common aphid species on balcony plants are the peach aphid Nectarosiphon persicae, beetroot Aphis fabae and potato aphid Aulacorthum solani.
Plants that are heavily infested with aphids look ineffective, and their excessive honeydew can be a breeding ground for fungi that begin to develop on infected tissues. Aphids should be fought after the first specimens are noticed.We use insecticides or preparations in a ready-to-use form (in a sprayer).
Sometimes balcony plants can be attacked by Agromyzidae miners and the larvae of other Diptera flies, Hymenoptera wasps and Lepidoptera butterflies, commonly known as caterpillars.Larvae of leaf miners feed in the leaves, digging into corridors (so-called mines), visible as snakes, spirals of various shapes, etc.
The larvae of other insects feed on the leaf and damage its surface, which can cause the formation of the so-called grazers (destruction of the leaf blade). After noticing the first damage to the leaves, we should try to collect the larvae by hand. If this is not possible, we can apply plant protection products.
Gray mold, Botrytis cinerea, is the most common disease on balcony plants. Symptoms of infection by this fungus appear on all organs of the plant.The leaves show brown watery spots, spreading to the shoots and flowers, which die. The infected organs are covered with a gray dust coating of spore handles.
Succulent garden on the balcony
Gray mold can lead to plant death in a very short time and very easily infects other he althy plants growing nearby. The development of the fungus is favored by high air humidity.When watering the plants, avoid sprinkling the leaves and flowers.You should not leave the plants wet overnight. Better to water them in the morning. When we spot the first sick leaves, they should be removed. After that, the plants should be sprayed with one of the recommended fungicides.
Another disease that occurs quite often is Erysiphales powdery mildew. The affected tissues show a white powdery coating of mycelium. Initially, it occurs on a small leaf area. Later it covers its entire surface, thus limiting assimilation.Over time, the leaf turns yellow, distorts and dies. The care recommendations are similar to those for gray mold.
