How to Get Rid of Scales on Piggyback Plant

If you have noticed small, brown, or yellowish bumps on the leaves of your piggyback plant, it’s likely that your plant is infested with scales. Scales are tiny insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of plants, sucking out their sap and causing damage. If left untreated, scales can weaken and even kill your piggyback plant. In this article, we will discuss how to identify scales and provide effective methods to get rid of them.

Identifying Scales on Piggyback Plant

Scales are small, oval-shaped insects that usually range from 1 to 5 millimeters in length. They can vary in color, from brown to yellowish or even black. Scales attach themselves to the plant’s leaves and stems and form a protective shell or scale cover. This shell is often mistaken for part of the plant itself, making scales difficult to detect.

To identify scales on your piggyback plant, carefully inspect the leaves and stems for any signs of small bumps or irregularities. If you notice a sticky residue on the plant’s surface or see ants crawling around the plant, it is a strong indication of a scale infestation. You might also notice yellowing or wilting leaves as a result of the scales sucking out the sap.

Removing Scales by Hand

If you have only a few scales on your piggyback plant, you may be able to remove them by hand. Using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently dab each scale individually. The alcohol will dissolve the protective shell and kill the insect inside. Be sure to dispose of the cotton swab after each use to avoid spreading any potential infestation.

While this method can be effective for small-scale infestations, it may not be practical for larger infestations. Additionally, removing scales by hand can be time-consuming and may damage the plant if done improperly.

Applying Insecticidal Soap

Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective method to control scales on your piggyback plant. It works by suffocating the insects and disrupting their cell membranes. To use insecticidal soap, follow these steps:

1. Choose a commercial insecticidal soap specifically formulated for use on houseplants.
2. Dilute the soap according to the instructions on the package.
3. Transfer the solution into a spray bottle.
4. Test a small area of your plant first to ensure it doesn’t have any adverse reactions to the soap.
5. Spray the affected areas of your piggyback plant thoroughly, making sure to coat both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves as well as the stems.
6. Allow the soap to sit on the plant for the recommended amount of time specified on the product label.
7. After the recommended time has passed, gently rinse the plant with lukewarm water to remove any residue.

Repeat this process every 7-10 days until all signs of scales have disappeared. Be aware that insecticidal soap may not be effective against mature scales or their eggs, so continued monitoring and treatment may be necessary.

Introducing Beneficial Insects

Another natural way to control scales on your piggyback plant is by introducing beneficial insects that feed on scales. Ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites are all natural predators of scales and can help keep their population in check.

You can purchase beneficial insects from garden centers or online suppliers. Carefully release them onto your piggyback plant according to the instructions provided with your shipment. It’s important to note that releasing beneficial insects may not provide immediate results, as it can take time for them to establish and control the scale population. Therefore, this method is more suitable for long-term prevention rather than immediate elimination of scales.

Pruning Infested Areas

If your piggyback plant is heavily infested with scales and other methods have failed to bring the infestation under control, you may need to resort to pruning. Pruning can be a drastic measure, but it may be necessary to save the overall health of your plant.

Start by removing any heavily infested leaves or stems. Use clean, sharp pruning shears and make clean cuts just above a leaf node or bud. This will encourage new growth and help your piggyback plant recover faster. After pruning, dispose of the infested plant material in a sealed bag to prevent further spread of the scales.

Remember to monitor your piggyback plant closely after pruning and continue with preventative measures to ensure that scales do not return.

Conclusion

Dealing with scales on your piggyback plant can be frustrating, but with the right techniques, you can effectively control and eliminate these pests. Whether you choose to remove scales by hand, use insecticidal soap, introduce beneficial insects, or resort to pruning, it’s essential to take action promptly to protect the health and beauty of your piggyback plant. Remember to monitor your plant regularly and maintain good cultural practices to prevent future infestations.