Content
- Pests on the hydrangea - what helps?
- aphids
- Prevention and control
- mealybugs
- Prevention and control
- spider mites
- Prevention and control
- snails
- Prevention and control
- Tips & Tricks
The hydrangea is relatively rarely attacked by pests
Pests on the hydrangea - what helps?
Hydrangeas are relatively insensitive and are rarely affected by vermin. Once pests have settled on the plant, they can usually be fought very well.
aphids
These insects are among the weak parasites. There are about 800 different species that vary in size and color. Some of these pests protect themselves with a layer of wax powder, which makes the lice look like powdered.
Prevention and control
Strengthen the health of hydrangea by spraying regularly with field horsetail or nettle broth. Even mulching prevents the infestation.
Aphids can be rinsed off the plant with a stream of water. In case of heavy infestation, the spraying is recommended with ecologically well-tolerated funds from the garden retailers.
mealybugs
This vermin protects itself from dehydration by a wax produced in special glands. First, the insects nest in the leaf axils, later infesting the entire plant. They suck on the leaves and excrete harmful substances for the hydrangea. As a result, the leaves curl up and eventually die.
Prevention and control
Hydrangeas that overwinter in the house are often attacked by lice. Usually these plants are too warm and it is sufficient to put the hydrangea after a single injection in a cool place.
If you can only discover a few lice, it is sufficient to moisten them with a cotton swab soaked in cooking oil or spirit. Since mealybugs are very persistent, it is advisable to cut off the populated plant parts in case of heavy infestation and dispose of them as household waste. Spray the hydrangea with a commercially available insecticide and check the plant several times for new cases.
spider mites
These arachnids can be recognized by the small, light green spots on the leaves and the webs on the underside of the leaf or the leaf axils. The tiny little vermin feeds on the sap and can massively damage the Hydrangea in mass occurrence.
Prevention and control
Fertilize the hydrangea regularly so that it develops strong and healthy. Strong plants with an intact immune system often cope alone with the spider mites. Plant strengthening agents such as garlic extracts or field horsetail broth have a preventative effect.
In case of very strong infestation, spray the hydrangea with preparations containing no oil. These protect beneficial insects and at the same time work very well against spider mites.
snails
Large holes in the middle of the leaf and skeletonized foliage indicate slug attack. The evening and nocturnal animals hide in the daylight. The traces of mucus on the plant, however, are obvious.
Prevention and control
A fine crumbly, loose soil is avoided by snails. Snail fences, scattered pebbles, coffee powder or wood wool are difficult to overcome.
The most promising is the consistent collection. Slug grain should not be used in the home garden as it also kills the useful snails.
Tips & Tricks
In the early stages vermin can be controlled relatively easily with ecologically well-tolerated means. Check the hydrangea regularly for infestations.