How to Get Rid of Borers on Chinese Coin Plant

If you have a Chinese Coin Plant in your garden or indoor space, then you know how beautiful and unique it is. However, like any other plant, it can be susceptible to pests and diseases. One of the most common issues that Chinese Coin Plants face is borers. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant and even kill it. In this article, we’ll discuss how to get rid of borers on Chinese Coin Plant.

What are Borers?

Borers are insects that burrow into the stems and trunks of plants, causing damage to the tissue inside. The most common types of borers that affect Chinese Coin Plants are clearwing moth borers and flatheaded apple tree borers.

Clearwing moth borers are about 1 inch long with a wingspan of 1.5 inches. They have a clear membrane on their wings and a metallic blue-black body. Flatheaded apple tree borers are about half an inch long with flat, oval-shaped bodies that are brown or black.

Signs of Borer Infestation

It’s important to catch borer infestation early to prevent significant damage or death to the plant. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Small holes in the stems or trunk
• Sawdust-like material around the base of the plant
• Wilting or yellowing leaves
• Dieback or death of branches or sections of the plant

Prevention

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to pest infestations. Here are some preventative measures you can take to avoid borer infestation:

• Keep the plant healthy by providing adequate water and nutrients.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can attract borers.
• Prune regularly to remove dead or damaged branches, which can attract borers.
• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to repel adult borers.

Treatment

If you have already noticed signs of borer infestation, it’s time to take action. Here are some steps you can take to get rid of borers on Chinese Coin Plant:

1. Identify the Type of Borer

Identifying the type of borer is important because different types require different treatments. Clearwing moth borers can be treated with insecticides containing permethrin or cyfluthrin. Flatheaded apple tree borers, on the other hand, are best treated with systemic insecticides like imidacloprid.

2. Cut Out Infested Areas

Once you’ve identified the type of borer, cut out any infested areas with a sharp, sterile knife or pruning shears. Make sure to cut at least 2 inches below the infested area to ensure you remove all the larvae.

3. Apply Insecticide

After cutting out the infested areas, apply insecticide to the remaining parts of the plant to kill any remaining larvae or adult borers. Follow the instructions on the label carefully and wear protective clothing and gloves.

4. Monitor the Plant

Monitor the plant regularly for signs of re-infestation. If you notice any new infestations, repeat steps 2 and 3.

FAQ

Can I prevent borer infestation without using chemicals?

Yes, you can prevent borer infestation by keeping the plant healthy and pruning regularly. You can also use physical barriers like sticky traps or aluminum foil around the base of the plant to deter adult borers from laying eggs.

Will neem oil kill borers?

Neem oil is effective in repelling adult borers but may not kill larvae inside the plant. Use systemic insecticides like imidacloprid for complete elimination.

Can I save my Chinese Coin Plant if it’s severely infested?

If the plant is severely infested, it may not be possible to save it. However, cutting out the infested areas and applying insecticide can help prevent further damage and potentially save the plant.

In conclusion, borers can be a significant problem for Chinese Coin Plants, but with the right preventative measures and treatment, you can keep your plant healthy and pest-free. Regular monitoring and maintenance are key to catching infestations early and preventing significant damage.