Most Common Silver Falls Plant Pests:
Identification and Treatment Guide

Silver Falls (Dichondra argentea) is a popular trailing plant known for its stunning silver foliage and cascading growth habit. It is commonly used in hanging baskets, containers, and as ground cover. While Silver Falls is generally easy to care for, it can be susceptible to various pests that can damage its beauty and health. In this article, we will discuss the most common Silver Falls plant pests, how to identify them, and the best treatment options.

1. Aphids

Aphids are tiny insects that cluster on the undersides of leaves and feed on plant sap. They can cause leaf distortion, yellowing, and stunted growth. Aphids are usually green or black in color and can be identified by their pear-shaped bodies.

Treatment: To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. These organic options suffocate and kill the pests without harming the plant. Regularly spraying your Silver Falls with a strong stream of water can also help dislodge aphids from the leaves.

2. Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck the sap out of plants. They are often found on the undersides of leaves. Infested leaves may have a speckled appearance and eventually turn yellow or brown. You may also notice fine webbing if the infestation is severe.

Treatment: Spider mites can be controlled by spraying your Silver Falls with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap or neem oil. Make sure to thoroughly cover both sides of the leaves, as spider mites can hide in hard-to-reach areas. If the infestation is severe, you may need to prune heavily infested branches or consider using a miticide.

3. Whiteflies

Whiteflies are small white insects that congregate on the undersides of leaves. They suck the sap from plants, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. Whiteflies are notorious for their ability to quickly reproduce and infest plants.

Treatment: Neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used to control whiteflies. You can also use yellow sticky traps to catch adult whiteflies and reduce their population. If you have a severe infestation, introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings can help control the whitefly population.

4. Mealybugs

Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They are usually found in clusters on the stems, undersides of leaves, and leaf axils. Mealybugs leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew, which can attract ants and lead to the growth of sooty mold.

Treatment: To control mealybugs, you can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plant. Alternatively, you can spray your Silver Falls with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap or neem oil. Repeat the treatment once a week until all mealybugs are eliminated.

5. Scale Insects

Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to plant stems and leaves. They have a protective shell-like covering that resembles scales. Scale insects feed on plant sap and can cause yellowing, wilting, and leaf drop.

Treatment: For small-scale infestations, you can manually remove scale insects by scraping them off with a toothbrush or your fingernail. If the infestation is severe, you may need to use an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to suffocate the pests. Repeat the treatment every 7-10 days until all scales are gone.

6. Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails are common garden pests that can also attack Silver Falls. They feed on the leaves, leaving irregular holes and slime trails behind. Slugs and snails are most active during damp and cool weather.

Treatment: To control slugs and snails, you can handpick them from the plant and dispose of them. Creating physical barriers such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth around your Silver Falls can also deter these pests. Additionally, you can use organic slug and snail baits that contain iron phosphate to control their population.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to pest control. Regularly inspect your Silver Falls for signs of pests and take immediate action if you notice any infestations. Keeping your plant healthy through proper watering, fertilization, and adequate sunlight will also help prevent pest problems. By identifying and treating common Silver Falls plant pests promptly, you can ensure the continued beauty and vitality of your beloved trailing plant.