The beach morning glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae) is a vibrant flowering plant that thrives along sandy coastlines. However, these hardy plants can fall victim to aphid infestations. Aphids are small sap-sucking insects that can quickly damage plants by transmitting diseases, promoting mold growth, and stunting growth. If you’ve noticed these pesky bugs on your beach morning glories there are several effective control methods you can use to get rid of aphids organically and restore the health of your plants.
Identifying Aphids on Beach Morning Glory
The first step is learning how to identify aphids on beach morning glory plants. Aphids are typically found clustered on the undersides of leaves, stems, or flower buds. They appear as small, oval-shaped insects ranging in color from green, black, brown, yellow, to even pink. Aphids have soft, pear-shaped bodies and long legs and antennae. Infested plants may have curled, distorted, or yellowing leaves. Aphids secrete a sticky substance called honeydew which can cause sooty mold fungus.
Safely Controlling Aphids on Beach Morning Glory
Once aphids are confirmed on beach morning glory, prompt organic treatment is needed to prevent further damage. Here are effective, non-chemical methods to get rid of aphids:
Use a Strong Water Spray
A forceful spray from a garden hose can physically dislodge aphids from plants Focus on the undersides of leaves and stems where aphids tend to hide, Best practice is early morning or evening to avoid leaf burn
Apply Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soaps containing potassium salts of fatty acids can help control aphid populations. Spray it directly on bugs and repeat applications as needed.
Use Neem Oil
Extracted from the neem tree, this natural oil smothers and kills sucking insects. Mix with water and spray on infested beach morning glories.
Release Ladybugs
Ladybugs feed on aphids. Releasing them near infested beach morning glories allows them to naturally control the pests.
Apply Diatomaceous Earth
This powder of fossilized algae damages the waxy covering of soft-bodied insects like aphids Lightly dust it on affected plants
Use Horticultural Oils
These oils coat insects and clog their breathing pores. Spray on beach morning glories as directed to reduce aphid numbers.
Use Insecticidal Soap
Add 2 parts water to 1 part dish detergent and spray directly onto aphids. This basically drowns them. Leave the soapy mix on plants for 2 hours before rinsing off.
Remove Heavily Infested Areas
Prune away badly infested stems, leaves, and flower buds. This can eliminate aphid “hot spots” and prevent spread.
Apply Garlic-Pepper Spray
A homemade spray of crushed garlic and hot peppers repels aphids. Blend and strain before spraying onto beach morning glory foliage.
Encourage Natural Predators
Ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies, and birds help control aphids. Plant nectar-rich flowers and avoid pesticides that kill beneficial insects.
Use Reflective Mulch
Silver colored plastic mulch can deter aphids from colonizing plants. Place 1-2 inches around beach morning glories.
Practice Crop Rotation
Rotating seasonal plantings in different beds helps break aphid reproduction cycles.
Preventing Aphids on Beach Morning Glory
Once aphid populations are under control, focus on prevention to protect beach morning glories over the long term:
- Check plants regularly for early signs of infestation
- Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen which attracts aphids
- Remove and destroy severely infested plants
- Clean up dropped leaves and debris where aphids may breed
- Use a row cover or mesh to create a barrier against aphids
By using organic methods that harness nature’s own defenses, you can get rid of destructive aphids and keep your beach morning glory plants healthy and thriving despite the threat from these tiny pests. A combination of mechanical removal, natural insecticides, and encouragement of beneficial predators can provide effective and eco-friendly aphid control. Your persistence will pay off in vibrant, aphid-free beach morning glory displays.
Care Summary for Beach Morning-Glory
Greg recommends:
0.5 cups every 9 days
< 1ft from a window
Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
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Taxonomy Scientific name
Beach Morning-Glory needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5″ pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every 9
Does your plant get direct sunlight? No Yes
Select the pot size
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Q&A – How do I get rid of this morning glory so I can plant bulbs? I have sprayed and it returned.
FAQ
What do you spray on morning glories for bugs?
Can I use Dawn dish soap to get rid of aphids?
How do I get rid of aphids ASAP?
Can you spray vinegar on plants to kill aphids?
How to get rid of Morning Glory aphids and spider mites?
A successful way to rid your morning glory of aphids and spider mites is by syringing. Syringing will knock the pests from your plants by using a hard stream of water. To keep these insects under control, it is best if you repeat this process two times a week. Insecticidal soap and horticultural oils are also used in controlling pests.
How do you get rid of Morning Glory bugs?
Hang yellow, sticky cards around your Morning Glory plants. This move helps you identify any infestation early on. Spray Neem oil on your plant once you see some kind of movement on the plant. You may also spray Insecticidal soap on the affected parts of the plant to keep bugs in control. Don’t ever use chemical insecticides to counter these pests.
What happens if morning glory vine is not treated for pests?
If your morning glory plant is not treated for pests, they will eventually attack the vine. Pests of morning glory vine need to be eradicated as soon as you see them or evidence of their presence. A successful way to rid your morning glory of aphids and spider mites is by syringing.
Do morning glories have pests?
Morning glories can be infested with pests too such as the cotton aphid, the leaf miner, and the leafcutter. The cotton aphid likes to attack the plant in the morning. This insect ranges in color from yellow to black, and you can find them in masses on your leaves. The leaf miner does just that, it mines or bores holes into the leaves.