Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) is a gorgeous addition to any garden with its vibrant flowers that attract pollinators. However, a common problem that autumn sage plant owners face is lerps infestations. Lerps are tiny sap-sucking insects that can quickly damage the leaves and impact the health of autumn sage plants. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what lerps are, how to identify them, and most importantly, how to get rid of lerps on autumn sage plants using organic, eco-friendly methods.
What are Lerps?
Lerps are minuscule insects that belong to the psyllid family. They create a protective cover over themselves made of sugary secretions and debris while feeding on the plant’s sap. This camouflaged casing shields them from predators and weather as they draw nutrition from the leaves.
You’ll recognize lerps by the small white or beige bumps on the undersides of leaves. They can resemble scales or growths and are sometimes mistaken as part of the plant. Upon close inspection, you may also notice sticky residue on foliage and declining plant health if the infestation is severe.
It’s crucial to address lerps quickly to avoid extensive damage. The good news is there are several effective organic remedies to eliminate them from your autumn sage plant.
How to Identify Lerps on Autumn Sage Plants
Carefully check the undersides of leaves for any abnormal lumps or discoloration. Look for tiny raised bumps or scales that are white, beige or brown. You may need a magnifying glass to spot them initially.
Other signs of lerps include:
- Sticky secretion on leaves
- Curling, wilting or yellowing leaves
- Premature leaf drop
- Lackluster flowers
- Stunted growth
If you spot these symptoms, examine the leaves closely to confirm it’s lerps Prompt treatment is key to rescue your plant
Getting Rid of Lerps on Autumn Sage Plants Naturally
Here are some simple, eco-friendly ways to banish lerps from your autumn sage plant:
1. Prune Infested Leaves
Pruning away affected leaves can eliminate many lerps Use clean, sharp pruners to remove leaves with the worst infestations Discard the clippings in sealed bags so lerps don’t spread.
Check surrounding leaves closely and prune any with lerps. Be diligent about removing all infected foliage.
2. Blast Them Off with Water
A strong spray of water can blast lerps right off the leaves. Use a hose attachment or spray bottle and aim at infested areas. The forceful stream will knock them loose for easy removal.
Repeat regularly to wash away any remaining insects. Avoid blooms and tender new growth.
3. Apply Neem Oil
Neem oil naturally repels and eliminates lerps without toxic chemicals. It coats leaves with a barrier that deters feeding. Neem oil also disrupts lerps’ reproductive cycle and development.
Follow label instructions and reapply weekly. Spray in the evenings to avoid burning leaves.
4. Use Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap breaks down lerps’ protective coating, causing dehydration and death. It’s gentler than chemical pesticides and won’t harm pollinators or other beneficial insects.
Spray infected areas according to product instructions. Avoid blooms and new growth. Reapply every 5-7 days until lerps are gone.
5. Introduce Ladybugs
Ladybugs feed on lerps and are a natural predator. Attract them to your garden by planting nectar-rich flowers. You can also buy live ladybugs and release them near infested autumn sage plants. They’ll happily munch on lerps.
6. Encourage Lacewings
Lacewings devour lerps in all life stages. Plant carrots, angelica and other lacewing favorites. You can also buy live lacewing eggs or larvae and release near lerps infestations. They’ll voraciously consume lerps as they grow.
Preventing Lerp Infestations
Once you’ve eliminated lerps, keep them away with these prevention tips:
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Check autumn sage regularly for pests. Catch infestations early before they spread.
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Provide consistent water and fertilizer during growing season for strong plant health. Healthy plants resist pests better.
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Prune autumn sage in late winter to remove damage and improve air circulation.
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Remove dropped leaves and debris where lerps may be hiding.
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Keep surrounding areas free of weeds.
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Rotate chemical treatments to avoid resistance.
With diligence and organic remedies, you can keep lerps at bay and enjoy a flourishing autumn sage plant. Act quickly at the first sign of bumps or sticky residue. A multi-pronged approach combining pruning, insecticidal soap, beneficial insects and horticultural oil will effectively remove lerps and support your plant’s recovery. Implement preventive care to deter future infestations. With some persistence, your autumn sage will be lush and healthy again lerp-free!
Fungus Gnats and Fruit Flies
Tiny flies near your plant? Likely fungus gnats or fruit flies. These pests love wet soil. Their larvae munch on roots, so let the soil dry out to crash their underground party. Sticky traps can snag the adults, but its the wriggly babies you need to worry about.
Mealybugs and Aphids
Notice a cottony mess? Mealybugs are making themselves at home. These fluffy fiends suck sap and weaken your Autumn Sage. And if you spot clusters of tiny insects, those are aphids. Theyre like miniature vampires for plants, draining them of nutrients.
If a cloud of tiny insects erupts from your plant when you touch it, youve got whiteflies. These pests are like unwanted confetti, fluttering about and feeding off your plant. Theyre hard to miss once they get going, so watch for their disturbance dance.
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FAQ
How to get rid of lerps?
How to get rid of psyllids naturally?
How do I stop bugs from eating my sage?
When to spray for psyllids?
How do you care for autumn sage?
Autumn sage is a fairly easy-going plant. Here are the main care requirements for growing autumn sage. Plant in a spot that gets lots of sunlight, ideally at least six hours. Place in dry, well-drained soil, but do not plant in wet, clay-based soil. Water moderately, though autumn sage is fairly drought-tolerant once established.
Does autumn sage have crown rot?
Few plant diseases affect autumn sage, but crown rot can occur if the plant is struggling in poorly draining dense soil. This plant is especially resentful of wet winter conditions. In proper growing conditions, autumn sage should bloom readily, bringing a host of pollinators to your garden.
Can autumn sage burn out?
In very hot climates, autumn sage plants can burn if they receive too much direct sunlight. Prolonged temps above 110 degrees Fahrenheit can burn out plants, and in such a climate it is best to grow autumn sage where it gets some shade during the heat of the afternoon.
How do you grow autumn sage?
In most regions, this plant will thrive in a site with full sun, but in very hot climates it will appreciate some shade during the heat of the day. Give the plant moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Autumn sage does well in gravely, rocky soil, but may not tolerate dense clay-based soil. Water regularly after planting.