What Are The Little Bugs on My Chinese Coin Plant

If you own a Chinese coin plant, you might have noticed little bugs crawling around or on the leaves. These bugs are pests that can cause a lot of damage to your plant if not dealt with properly. In this article, we will discuss what these bugs are, how to identify them, and how to get rid of them.

What are the bugs?

The bugs that are commonly found on Chinese coin plants are aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These pests are small and can be difficult to spot, but they can cause significant damage to your plant.

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that are usually green or brown in color. They feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. They reproduce quickly and can quickly infest your plant.

Spider mites

Spider mites are tiny arachnids that spin webs on the leaves of your plant. They suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and die. They reproduce quickly and can quickly take over your plant.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are small, white insects that look like cotton balls. They feed on the sap of your plant, causing it to weaken and become susceptible to disease. They also produce a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts other pests like ants.

How to identify them?

If you suspect that your Chinese coin plant is infested with pests, there are a few signs you can look for.

• Sticky residue: If you notice a sticky residue on the leaves or stems of your plant, it is likely that you have a pest infestation.
• Yellowing leaves: If the leaves of your plant are turning yellow or brown, it may be due to a pest infestation.
• Webbing: If you notice webbing on the leaves of your plant, it is likely that you have a spider mite infestation.
• Cotton-like substance: If you notice a cotton-like substance on the leaves of your plant, it is likely that you have a mealybug infestation.

How to get rid of them?

Getting rid of pests on your Chinese coin plant can be a bit tricky, but there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.

Natural remedies

• Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural pesticide that can be used to get rid of pests on your plant. Mix one tablespoon of neem oil with one liter of water and spray it on your plant. Repeat every two weeks until the pests are gone.
• Garlic spray: Crush a few garlic cloves and mix them with water. Let the mixture sit for a few hours and then strain it. Spray the mixture on your plant to repel pests.
• Ladybugs: Ladybugs are natural predators of aphids and can be released onto your plant to get rid of them.

Chemical remedies

If natural remedies don’t work, you can use chemical pesticides to get rid of pests on your Chinese coin plant. However, it’s important to be careful when using pesticides as they can harm beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.

• Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap is a mild pesticide that can be used to get rid of pests on your plant. Mix one tablespoon of insecticidal soap with one liter of water and spray it on your plant.
• Pyrethrin: Pyrethrin is a stronger pesticide that can be used to get rid of pests on your plant. Follow the instructions on the label when using pyrethrin.

FAQ

Can pests harm my Chinese coin plant?

Yes, pests can cause significant damage to your plant if left untreated.

How often should I treat my plant for pests?

It’s important to treat your plant as soon as you notice a pest infestation. Repeat treatment every two weeks until the pests are gone.

Can I use natural remedies instead of chemical pesticides?

Yes, natural remedies like neem oil and garlic spray can be effective in getting rid of pests on your Chinese coin plant.

Should I be concerned about using pesticides on my plant?

Yes, it’s important to be careful when using pesticides as they can harm beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs. Follow the instructions on the label and use pesticides sparingly.