How to Get Rid of Thrips in Dragon Fingers Plant

Dragon Fingers Plant, also known as Calathea Rufibarba, is a beautiful plant that is native to Brazil. It is known for its long, slender leaves that grow in an upward fashion. However, there is a common pest problem that plagues this plant – thrips. These tiny insects can cause damage to the plant by sucking out its nutrients and leaving behind scars on the leaves. In this article, we will explore effective methods to get rid of thrips in Dragon Fingers Plant.

Identifying Thrips

Thrips are tiny insects that are about 1mm long and are usually yellow or black in color. They have wings and can fly around from one plant to another. The best way to identify them is to look for small brown or black spots on the leaves of your Dragon Fingers Plant. These spots are caused by the thrips feeding on the sap of the plant.

Preventative Measures

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some measures you can take to prevent thrips from infesting your Dragon Fingers Plant:

• Quarantine new plants – If you are planning to add a new plant to your collection, keep it away from your Dragon Fingers Plant for a few weeks. This will help you identify any pests that may be present in the new plant before they spread to the others.

• Inspect regularly – Regularly inspect your Dragon Fingers Plant for any signs of infestation. Look for brown or black spots on the leaves and any other signs of damage.

• Cleanliness is key – Keep your plant clean by wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth regularly. This will help remove any dust or debris that may attract thrips.

• Humidity control – Thrips thrive in humid conditions, so make sure that the humidity levels around your Dragon Fingers Plant are under control.

Chemical Solutions

If you have already identified thrips on your Dragon Fingers Plant, here are some chemical solutions that can help get rid of them:

• Neem oil – Neem oil is a natural pesticide that can be used to kill thrips. Mix a few drops of neem oil with water and spray it on the affected areas of your plant.

• Insecticidal soap – Insecticidal soap is another effective solution for killing thrips. Spray it on the affected areas of your plant, making sure to cover both sides of the leaves.

• Pyrethrin – Pyrethrin is a chemical pesticide that is derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It is effective in killing thrips but can also harm beneficial insects. Use it as a last resort and follow the instructions carefully.

Non-Chemical Solutions

If you prefer non-chemical solutions to get rid of thrips in your Dragon Fingers Plant, here are some options:

• Sticky traps – Sticky traps are a great way to catch thrips. Hang them near your plant and they will attract and trap the insects.

• Pruning – Prune off any heavily infested leaves from your Dragon Fingers Plant. This will help prevent the thrips from spreading to other parts of the plant.

• Vacuuming – Use a small vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment to suck up any thrips that may be on your plant. Be gentle and make sure not to damage the leaves.

FAQ

Can thrips spread to other plants?

Yes, thrips can easily spread from one plant to another. It is important to quarantine any new plants before adding them to your collection.

Are thrips harmful to humans?

No, thrips do not pose any harm to humans.

Can thrips be prevented?

Yes, regular inspections and cleanliness can help prevent thrips from infesting your plants.

Can I use neem oil on other plants?

Yes, neem oil can be used on other plants as well. It is a natural pesticide that is safe for most plants.

How long does it take for thrips to die after using insecticidal soap?

It usually takes a few hours for thrips to die after using insecticidal soap.

In conclusion, thrips can be a pesky problem for your Dragon Fingers Plant, but with the right preventative measures and effective solutions, you can keep them at bay. Regular inspections, cleanliness and humidity control are key to preventing thrips. If they do infest your plant, chemical and non-chemical solutions such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, sticky traps, pruning and vacuuming can help get rid of them.