Rubber
tree (Ficus elastica) is
an impressive plant with huge, shiny leaves, but this cold-sensitive plant survives
outdoors only in very warm climates. For this reason, it is usually grown
indoors. Although healthy rubber tree plants tend to be pest resistant, they
can be infested by several sap-sucking pests. What to do if you notice rubber
plant insects? Read on for helpful tips.
Pests on a Rubber Plant
Here are the most common rubber plant insects you may come
across:
Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped pests that gather en masse on the undersides of leaves or the joints of leaves and stems. The pests are usually green, but different species may be red, brown, black, or yellow. Aphids damage rubber trees by sucking the sweet nectar from the leaves.
Scale
are tiny rubber plant pests that attach themselves to all parts of the plant and,
like aphids, they feed on sweet plant juices. Scale pests may be either armored
scales, with a plate-like outer covering, or soft, with a waxy or cottony
surface.
Spider
mites are difficult to see with the naked eye, but they are serious
rubber plant bugs that puncture leaves to draw out the nectar. You know mites
are on the plant because of their telltale webs. They often appear when
conditions are dry and dusty.
Thrips
are tiny rubber plant insects with wings. The insects, which may be black or
straw-colored, tend to jump or fly when disturbed. Thrips are more troublesome
for outdoor rubber tree plants, but they can also infest plants grown indoors.
What to Do About Pests on a Rubber Plant
Insecticidal soap sprays are usually effective against
rubber plant bugs, but you may need to re-spray every couple of weeks until the
pests are under control. Use a commercial product, as homemade sprays are often
too harsh for indoor plants. Neem
oil is also an option.
Horticultural oils kill pests by suffocation and are
especially effective against difficult rubber plant pests like scale and
thrips. Read the label carefully, as some indoor plants are sensitive to the
oils. Cover furniture before applying.
Chemical insecticides should be used only as a last resort.
If you use chemicals, be sure they are registered for indoor use.
Rubber
tree (Ficus elastica) is
an impressive plant with huge, shiny leaves, but this cold-sensitive plant survives
outdoors only in very warm climates. For this reason, it is usually grown
indoors. Although healthy rubber tree plants tend to be pest resistant, they
can be infested by several sap-sucking pests. What to do if you notice rubber
plant insects? Read on for helpful tips.
Pests on a Rubber Plant
Here are the most common rubber plant insects you may come
across:
Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped pests that gather en masse on the undersides of leaves or the joints of leaves and stems. The pests are usually green, but different species may be red, brown, black, or yellow. Aphids damage rubber trees by sucking the sweet nectar from the leaves.
Scale
are tiny rubber plant pests that attach themselves to all parts of the plant and,
like aphids, they feed on sweet plant juices. Scale pests may be either armored
scales, with a plate-like outer covering, or soft, with a waxy or cottony
surface.
Spider
mites are difficult to see with the naked eye, but they are serious
rubber plant bugs that puncture leaves to draw out the nectar. You know mites
are on the plant because of their telltale webs. They often appear when
conditions are dry and dusty.
Thrips
are tiny rubber plant insects with wings. The insects, which may be black or
straw-colored, tend to jump or fly when disturbed. Thrips are more troublesome
for outdoor rubber tree plants, but they can also infest plants grown indoors.
What to Do About Pests on a Rubber Plant
Insecticidal soap sprays are usually effective against
rubber plant bugs, but you may need to re-spray every couple of weeks until the
pests are under control. Use a commercial product, as homemade sprays are often
too harsh for indoor plants. Neem
oil is also an option.
Horticultural oils kill pests by suffocation and are
especially effective against difficult rubber plant pests like scale and
thrips. Read the label carefully, as some indoor plants are sensitive to the
oils. Cover furniture before applying.
Chemical insecticides should be used only as a last resort.
If you use chemicals, be sure they are registered for indoor use.