How to Get Rid of Thrips in Dichondra Plant

Dichondra is a popular ground cover plant that can be used to create a beautiful and lush lawn. However, like any other plant, it is vulnerable to pests such as thrips. Thrips are tiny insects that can cause significant damage to your dichondra plant. They pierce the leaves and suck out the sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and curl up. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of thrips in dichondra plants.

Identify the Problem

Before you can start treating your dichondra plant for thrips, you need to make sure that you have identified the problem correctly. Thrips are tiny insects that are difficult to see with the naked eye. However, you can look for signs of thrips infestation such as:

• Yellowing or curling of leaves
• Silver-colored streaks on the leaves
• Presence of tiny black dots (thrip excrement) on the leaves

Natural Remedies

If you want to get rid of thrips in your dichondra plant without using harsh chemicals, there are several natural remedies that you can try:

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that is effective against thrips. Mix one tablespoon of neem oil with one liter of water and spray it on your dichondra plant. Make sure to spray both sides of the leaves.

Garlic Spray

Garlic has natural insecticidal properties that make it effective against thrips. Crush a few cloves of garlic and mix them with one liter of water. Let the mixture sit overnight and strain it in the morning. Spray the mixture on your dichondra plant.

Soap Spray

A soap spray is an effective way to get rid of thrips in dichondra plants. Mix two tablespoons of liquid soap with one liter of water and spray it on your plant. The soap will suffocate the thrips and kill them.

Chemical Remedies

If natural remedies do not work, you may have to resort to chemical remedies. However, make sure to use them with caution as they may harm other beneficial insects such as bees.

Insecticidal Soap

Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to get rid of thrips in dichondra plants. Spray the soap on your plant, making sure to cover both sides of the leaves. Repeat the process every five to seven days until the thrips are gone.

Pyrethrin

Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide that is derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It is effective against thrips but may harm other beneficial insects such as bees. Follow the instructions carefully when using pyrethrin.

Preventive Measures

The best way to deal with thrips is to prevent them from infesting your dichondra plant in the first place. Here are some preventive measures that you can take:

• Keep your dichondra plant healthy by providing it with adequate water, sunlight, and nutrients.
• Remove any weeds or debris that may harbor thrips or other pests.
• Use yellow or blue sticky traps to attract and catch thrips.
• Plant companion plants that repel thrips such as marigolds, petunias, and geraniums.

Conclusion

Thrips can be a real nuisance for dichondra plant owners, but they can be dealt with using natural or chemical remedies. However, prevention is always better than cure, so make sure to keep your plant healthy and take preventive measures to avoid thrip infestations.

FAQ

Can thrips be harmful to humans?
Thrips are not harmful to humans.

Can I use vinegar to get rid of thrips?
Vinegar is not an effective way to get rid of thrips.

Can I use neem oil on other plants besides dichondra?
Yes, neem oil can be used on other plants as well.

How long does it take for soap spray to work?
Soap spray may take a few days to work.