How to Get Rid of Lerps on Creeping Jew Plant

Creeping Jew, also known as Tradescantia zebrina or inch plant, is a popular trailing houseplant that is known for its beautiful foliage. However, like most plants, it can be susceptible to pests and diseases. One of the most common problems that Creeping Jew plant owners face is the presence of lerps. These small, white, waxy structures may seem harmless at first, but they can lead to serious damage if left untreated. In this article, we will discuss how to identify lerps on your Creeping Jew plant and how to get rid of them.

What are Lerps?

Lerps are small, white, waxy structures that are produced by tiny insects called psyllids. These insects feed on the sap of plants, including Creeping Jew plants. As they feed, they produce a sugary substance that covers their bodies and hardens into a protective shell. This shell is the lerp.

Lerps may look harmless, but they can cause serious damage to plants. They can block the flow of sap and stunt growth. They may also attract other pests, such as ants, which can further damage the plant.

How to Identify Lerps on Your Creeping Jew Plant

Lerps are easy to spot on Creeping Jew plants. They look like small, white bumps or blisters on the leaves and stems. They may also appear as small, white balls or beads.

If you suspect that your Creeping Jew plant has lerps, examine the leaves and stems closely. You may also notice ants crawling on the plant, as they are attracted to the sugary substance produced by the psyllids.

How to Get Rid of Lerps on Your Creeping Jew Plant

Getting rid of lerps on your Creeping Jew plant is a two-step process: removing the existing lerps and preventing new ones from forming.

Step 1: Removing the Existing Lerps

To remove the existing lerps on your Creeping Jew plant, you will need:

• A soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush or paintbrush
• Rubbing alcohol
• Water

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Dip the soft-bristled brush into rubbing alcohol.
2. Gently brush the lerps off the leaves and stems of your Creeping Jew plant. Be careful not to damage the plant.
3. Dip the brush into water to rinse off any remaining lerps.

Repeat this process until all of the lerps have been removed. Be sure to dispose of any lerps that you remove, as they may contain psyllids that can infest other plants.

Step 2: Preventing New Lerps from Forming

To prevent new lerps from forming on your Creeping Jew plant, you will need:

• Insecticidal soap
• Neem oil
• Pruning shears

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Mix insecticidal soap according to the instructions on the label.
2. Spray the entire Creeping Jew plant, including the undersides of leaves, with the insecticidal soap. Be sure to cover all areas of the plant.
3. Wait a week and then repeat the process.
4. After two weeks, apply neem oil to the entire plant, following the instructions on the label.
5. Prune any heavily infested parts of the plant with pruning shears.

Repeat this process every two weeks until all signs of lerps have disappeared.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of oil instead of neem oil?

Yes, you can use horticultural oil or mineral oil instead of neem oil.

Can I use rubbing alcohol to kill psyllids?

No, rubbing alcohol will not kill psyllids. It is only effective at removing the lerps that they produce.

Will insecticidal soap harm my Creeping Jew plant?

Insecticidal soap is safe for most plants, including Creeping Jew plants. However, it is always a good idea to test a small area of the plant before treating the entire plant.

Can I prevent lerps from forming in the first place?

Yes, you can prevent lerps from forming by keeping your Creeping Jew plant healthy and free from stress. Make sure that it receives the right amount of water and sunlight, and avoid over-fertilizing.

Conclusion

Lerps can be a serious problem for Creeping Jew plants, but with the right treatment, they can be eliminated. Remember to remove existing lerps with rubbing alcohol and prevent new ones from forming with insecticidal soap and neem oil. With proper care, your Creeping Jew plant will thrive and remain free from pests.