If you’re like me, you love monstera plants! They are so beautiful and unique. However, if you have one of these plants, you may have noticed that it seems to be covered in scale. Don’t worry – this is a common problem for monstera owners, and can easily be fixed!
In this blog post, we will discuss how to remove scale from your monstera plant and tips for keeping it healthy and free of pests in the future. Let’s get started!
Can Monstera Plants Get Scale?
Yes, scale is commonly found on monstera plants. Scale is a type of insect that looks like a small, brownish-black bump on the plant’s leaves. These insects feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause yellowing or browning of the leaves. If left unchecked, scale can eventually kill a plant.
The scale doesn’t even look like a pest. Many people think it is a part of the plant and do not realize that it is, in fact, an insect. However, if you look closely, you will see that scale insect have a hard shell-like covering. This is what protects them from insecticides and makes them difficult to kill.
The good news is that there are a few things you can do to get rid of scale on your monstera plant. Read on for our tips on how to remove scale from monstera plants!
How Do I Know if My Monstera Has Scale?
There are a number of ways to tell if your Monstera plant has scale:
Bumps on the Stems and Leaves
The most obvious sign that your monstera has scale is the presence of small bumps on the stems and leaves. They look like tiny brown or yellowish bumps, and they are usually clustered together. If you look closely, you will see that these bumps have a hard shell-like covering.
Distorted Leaves
As scale feeds on the sap of your plant, it can cause the leaves to become distorted. This is because the scale insect is depriving the plant of vital nutrients. The leaves may become yellow, brown, or wilted as a result of this feeding.
How To Get Rid of Scale on a Monstera?
If you think your monstera plant has scale, there are a few things you can do to get rid of it. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective methods:
1. Isolate the Plant
The first step is to isolate the plant from any other plants in your home. This is important because the scale can spread quickly to other plants, and you don’t want to risk infecting them. This would be a nightmare to try and control!
You don’t have to divide the plants into separate rooms, just make sure they are not touching. This will help to prevent the spread of scale from pot to pot.
2. Wash with Soapy Water
To dislodge the scale from the plant, you can wash it with soapy water. This will help to loosen the grip of the insects and make them easier to remove.
You can make your own soap solution by mixing together a few drops of dish soap and warm water. Apply this to the affected areas of the plant, being sure to cover all of the bumps.
You can even use a Q-tip to gently scrape off the scale. Dip the Q-tip in the soapy water and then use it to scrub at the scale. This is a hands-on approach but is extremely effective in removing pests.
3. Neem Oil
Using neem oil (Amazon link) is a great way to get rid of scale on your monstera plant. Neem oil is made from the seeds of the neem tree and is a natural insecticide. It works by suffocating the scale, which will eventually kill them.
To use neem oil, mix together a few drops of the oil with water in a spray bottle. Be sure to shake it well so that the oil is properly diluted. Then, simply spray the mixture on the affected areas of the plant.
You will need to repeat this treatment every few days until the scale is gone. It may take a few weeks, but eventually, they will all be gone!
How to Prevent Scale on Monstera Plants?
The best way to deal with scale is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you keep your monstera plant free from scale:
- Keep your plant healthy by giving it the proper care it needs. This includes watering, fertilizing, and providing adequate sunlight. A healthy plant is less likely to be attacked by pests
- Inspect your plant regularly for signs of scale. If you see any bumps on the stems or leaves, be sure to check them closely. Catching the infestation early is key to preventing it from spreading
- Quarantine any new plants before adding them to your collection. This will help to ensure that they are not bringing any pests into your home
- Apply a preventive treatment to your plants, such as neem oil. This will help to keep scale and other pests at bay
These are just a few tips to help you keep your monstera plant free from scale. By following these tips, you can enjoy your plant for many years to come!
Why Is Scale a Problem for Monstera Plants?
Scale is a problem for monstera plants because it can cause the leaves to become distorted. This is because the scale insect is depriving the plant of vital nutrients. The leaves may become yellow, brown, or wilted as a result of this feeding.
Not taking action against scale can even result in the death of the monstera plant. This is why it’s so important to be on the lookout for these pests and take action against them as soon as possible!
Conclusion
In conclusion, scale is a strange-looking insect that can cause big problems for your monstera plant. Be sure to keep an eye out for them and take action as soon as possible if you see them. By following the tips in this article, you can get rid of scale and prevent them from coming back!
Using soapy water and neem oil are two great ways to get rid of scale on your monstera plant. it means you can remove the scale without harming your plant.
If you want to prevent scale from coming back, be sure to keep your plant healthy by giving it the proper care it needs. You should also quarantine any new plants before adding them to your collection. And lastly, apply a preventive treatment to your plants, such as neem oil. Thanks for reading!
Tim is an avid gardener from the UK. He was the founder of PlantCarer.com from 2021 to Sep 2023. He sold PlantCarer.com to Aaron. He has since started his own business called Seed To Supper, which provides new gardeners all the materials you need in a box (pots, seeds, compost and instructions) to grow your own delicious and nutritious vegetables and herbs from start to finish – no garden required.
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