Find out what scale looks like on houseplants. How to tell if your houseplant has scale. See what scale looks like, so you can determine if your houseplant has scale. Scale are small insect pests that suck plant sap and can eventually kill plants. You can use horticultural oil to kill scale.
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Today, we are going to be talking about scale. In this video, I will show you what scale looks like and explain how to control and get rid of it.
Scale pests are smooth, oval-shaped, and can be brown, light brown, or even gray. They may be shiny but don’t necessarily have to be. Scale attaches itself to the underside of leaves, along the leaf midrib, or onto the stems. These pests cause yellowing of leaves, leaf drop, and a sticky secretion that can attract black mold onto your leaves. While you can rinse this mold off, it’s essential to eliminate scale as soon as you notice them.
Scale is similar to mealybugs in that they suck plant sap from the leaves. This feeding results in yellow spots on the leaves, which will eventually dry out, become brown, and form holes. The honey-like substance they secrete can get all over your floor, further attracting black mold, and if left untreated, can eventually kill the plant.
This arrowhead plant here has a very light scale infection. If you find a plant that is infected, it’s important to isolate it from your other plants. It’s possible that a plant can harbor just one or two eggs in its soil for scale and mealybugs, which can emerge later. This situation is likely what happened with this plant, even though it has been healthy for about two years.
I have already treated this scale with a fine horticultural oil. Various types of oils are available, and in another video, I will demonstrate how to apply and mix these oils. For now, I want to show you what scale looks like. Manual removal is also effective, especially when starting. Insecticidal soap spray can work as well, and alcohol can help dry them out.
Here’s a closer view of the scale, which appears as little tan bumps. They aren’t shiny right now because I have sprayed them; many of them are likely dead at this point. Unlike mealybugs, which are easy to remove, scales are challenging to get rid of because they cling tightly to the plant, much like ticks. You need to remove them gently to avoid harming the plant.
I can demonstrate removal here. I took one off, and it did not take any leaf tissue with it, so it can be labor-intensive to clean off scale, but it’s essential to do so to prevent further damage. If you don’t, it can cause the leaves to curl due to compromised leaf tissue.
For now, that covers scale. In a follow-up video, we will treat it with insecticidal soap. Additionally, various botanical controls can be used, including beneficial parasites that naturally feed on scale. These can be introduced into your indoor garden, as they are commonly used in greenhouses.
Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video, and don’t forget to check the bell for notifications on new releases.
FAQs About Scale on Houseplants
What does scale look like on houseplants?
Scale pests are smooth, oval-shaped, and can be brown, light brown, or gray. They may appear shiny but often do not. They attach to the undersides of leaves and stems.
What problems do scale cause for plants?
Scale can cause yellowing of leaves, leaf drop, and may secrete a sticky substance that attracts black mold. Left untreated, scale can kill the plant.
How do I remove scale from my plants?
Scale can be removed manually, using horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or alcohol. Be gentle during removal to avoid harming the plant.
What should I do if my plant is infected with scale?
If a plant is infected, isolate it from other plants to prevent the spread of scale. Treat the affected plant with appropriate methods, such as oils or sprays.
Are there natural predators for scale pests?
Yes, beneficial parasites and small beetles can be introduced to your indoor garden to naturally control scale. These are often used in greenhouses for pest management.
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