One of the worst things you can witness as a plant parent is the life being drained from a plant. Unfortunately, this isn’t a rare sight. Plant maintenance must be an ever-present priority to prevent life-draining pests and growing fungi that cause browning leaves and rotten roots. 

I’ve compiled a list of the big three pests and diseases to watch out for. One thing you’ll notice is the lack of pesticide use if possible. This is due to the tolerance and mutation bugs can acquire after constant exposure to this harmful chemical.

1. Aphids

One of the most common pests you may encounter in your plant is aphids. Unfortunately, I have had my own experiences with them, and let me tell you, they are some tough suckers. These bugs are not only limited to the plant they reside in but have the potential to kill the surrounding plants too. 

If you have aphids, you may see characteristics like yellowing and distorted leaves, stunted growth, and a black sticky substance on the plant. These pests feed on the plants and, as they feed, secrete a sap-like substance called “honeydew,” which can become infested with black sooty mold and other viruses which are incurable.

Solutions:

Introducing a natural enemy: Predatory insects provide a greater ability to control aphids than any other standard method. Pesticides usually kill the predatory insects before the target ones, so avoid this at all costs. Watch out for ants as well. They feed on the honeydew produced by the pests, so coat the plant stem in a sticky substance to stop them from climbing and cut low-hanging branches they could climb on. 

Spraying with water: a strong spray of water will knock off most aphids and even some honeydew. Repeat the method every day until the plant is aphid-free.

2. Scale Insects

Like aphids, these nasty pests rob the plants of their lifeforce, however, they do so at a much faster rate. Plants damaged by scales take on a sickly and weathered appearance with sticky substances or black fungus. The bugs themselves are small and flat, with a tan-brownish shell protecting their body. There are three types of scales: armored scale, soft scale, and mealybug. Scales are the most destructive; armored scales are more difficult to control when they are matured, and soft scales secrete a lot of honeydew which can get easily contaminated with black fungus, interfering with photosynthesis. You can find these nasty insects hiding on the undersides of leaves and the plant’s joints.

Solutions:

For a light infestation: try picking off the bugs or gently scrubbing them off the leaves and stems.

For a heavier infestation: most times, it’s better to throw the plant out; however, in rare, last-resort scenarios, a person can try using store-bought or homemade pesticides

3. Root Rot

As a beginner in the plant community, it’s nearly inevitable that you will encounter this disease. This occurs for two reasons. The first is exposure to prolonged overwatering. When this happens, the roots are not getting enough oxygen and begin to decay or rot. This rot can then spread to healthy roots, harming them, even if soil conditions are corrected.

The other reason for root rot is fungus in the soil. The fungus may lay dormant however, it is reactivated after only one or two accidental overwatering. 

Root rot appears in plants as wilting leaves which turn yellow for unknown reasons. During this time, you should check the roots; if they are black and mushy, the plant has likely contracted root rot.

Solutions:

To treat root rot, remove the plant from the soil and wash the roots underwater. Wash away as much soil and affected roots as possible. Using scissors or shears, trim off the leftover affected roots. If a significant amount of the root system is taken away, prune back 1/3 to 1/2 of the leaves so the roots can grow stronger without needing to support as much of the leaves. Dispose of the rest of the soil in the pot and clean with a bleach solution. Finally, dip the remaining roots in a fungicide solution to kill off any remaining fungus. After treating, repot the plant with fresh potting mix.