How to Get Rid of Lerps on Cat Palm Plant

If you have a cat palm plant, you may have noticed tiny white or brown bumps on the leaves. These bumps are called lerps, and they are the protective covering of a small insect called the lerp psyllid. While lerps won’t necessarily harm your cat palm plant, they can be unsightly and can eventually lead to leaf drop. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of lerps on cat palm plants.

Identify the Problem

The first step in getting rid of lerps on cat palm plants is to identify the problem. Look for tiny bumps on the leaves that range in color from white to brown. These bumps may be flat or slightly raised, and they can sometimes be mistaken for mold or fungus. If you’re not sure whether you’re dealing with lerps or another issue, take a closer look at the bumps with a magnifying glass. You should be able to see the tiny insects inside.

Remove Infected Leaves

If you only have a few leaves that are infected with lerps, you can simply remove them. Use a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut off the affected leaves at their base. Be sure to dispose of the leaves carefully to prevent the spread of the lerp psyllid.

Wash the Leaves

If you have several leaves that are infected with lerps, you can wash them off with a spray bottle filled with water. Spray each leaf thoroughly, making sure to hit the tops and bottoms of the leaves. This will dislodge the lerps and wash them away. Be sure to repeat this process every few days until all of the lerps are gone.

Use Insecticidal Soap

If washing your cat palm plant doesn’t work, you can try using insecticidal soap. This is a type of soap that is specifically designed to kill insects like the lerp psyllid. You can buy insecticidal soap at most garden centers or online. To use insecticidal soap, mix it with water according to the instructions on the label and spray it directly onto the affected leaves. Be sure to cover both the tops and bottoms of the leaves. Repeat this process every few days until all of the lerps are gone.

Use Neem Oil

Another option for getting rid of lerps on cat palm plants is neem oil. This is a natural oil that is derived from the neem tree and is effective at killing a wide range of insects, including the lerp psyllid. You can buy neem oil at most garden centers or online. To use neem oil, mix it with water according to the instructions on the label and spray it directly onto the affected leaves. Be sure to cover both the tops and bottoms of the leaves. Repeat this process every few days until all of the lerps are gone.

Prevent Future Infestations

Once you’ve gotten rid of the lerps on your cat palm plant, you’ll want to take steps to prevent future infestations. One way to do this is to keep your plant healthy by giving it plenty of water, fertilizer, and sunlight. You should also keep an eye out for any signs of lerps or other pests so that you can catch them early before they have a chance to spread.

FAQ

Can lerps harm my cat palm plant?

While lerps won’t necessarily harm your cat palm plant, they can be unsightly and can eventually lead to leaf drop if left untreated.

Are lerps contagious?

Lerps are not contagious, but they can spread from one plant to another if you’re not careful.

Can I use dish soap instead of insecticidal soap?

While dish soap may work in a pinch, it’s not recommended as a long-term solution. Dish soap can be harsh on your plant’s leaves and can even cause damage if used too frequently. It’s best to use a soap that is specifically designed for plants, like insecticidal soap.

How often should I wash my cat palm plant?

If you’re dealing with a lerp infestation, you should wash your cat palm plant every few days until all of the lerps are gone. Once the infestation has been eliminated, you can go back to washing your plant once a month or so to keep it clean and healthy.