Aphids are the most common on balcony plants. These insects usually feed in colonies.Infected plant organs are deformed and affected plants are inhibited in growth and flowering.The most common species of aphid on balcony plants are peach aphid, beetroot aphid and potato aphid.
Plants heavily infested by them look ineffective, and the excessive honeydew secreted by these pests can be a nutrient medium for seed fungi, which in turn significantly reduce the assimilation surface of the leaf blade.
We fight aphids after noticing the first individuals with aphicides or gray soap.Sometimes balcony plants can be attacked by leaf miners and larvae of other flies, wasps and butterflies.Leaf miners larvae feed in the leaves, digging into corridors.
The larvae of other insects, when feeding on the leaf, damage its surface and may cause the formation of the so-called pigeons.After noticing the first damage to the leaves, try to collect the larvae by hand or use a plant protection agent.Gray mold is a dangerous disease of balcony plants. Symptoms of infection by this fungus appear on all organs of the plant.
There are brown watery spots on the leaves, which soon also appear on the shoots and flowers. Infected plant organs are covered with a gray dust coating of spore-shaped handles.Gray mold can lead to plant death in a very short time. The development of the fungus is favored by high air humidity. When watering plants, avoid sprinkling leaves and flowers. When we spot the first sick leaves, remove them. After that, the plants should be sprayed with one of the recommended fungicides.
3 proven natural remedies for plant pests!
Another disease of balcony plants is powdery mildew. The affected tissues show a white powdery coating of mycelium. Over time, the leaf turns yellow, distorts and dies.After noticing a white bloom, start chemical treatments with appropriate agents.Heavily damaged plants, after fighting diseases, can be helped by using a biostimulator.
