Hydrogen peroxide is an environmentally friendly alternative to pesticides, fungicides, and chemical fertilizers. Always use hydrogen peroxide in a diluted form and handle it with care. My go-to treatment for pest and fungus control is either a diluted rubbing alcohol solution or hydrogen peroxide, or a neem oil solution. Anytime I witness a plant in distress–leaf changes, dropping leaves, etc.–I pull out the artillery. Today I will be going over my experience with hydrogen peroxide.
I usually use it as a foliar (leaf) spray to control pests. I spray the top of the plant soil and potting container to help with fungus and bacteria. I have even poured it through the potting soil to kill off any unusual microbial suspects, like spider mites and fungal gnats. First and foremost, anytime you see pests on a plant, isolate it immediately, then proceed with the eradication process.
Artillery plants also known as pilea plants, are tropical houseplants prized for their unique coin-shaped leaves. However, these popular houseplants can fall victim to pest infestations, including worms that can damage their foliage and stunt their growth. If you notice signs of worms on your artillery plant, taking prompt action is key to protecting the plant’s health. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the most effective methods for getting rid of worms in artillery plants.
Identifying Worms in Artillery Plants
The first step is confirming that worms are indeed the culprits behind any damage on your artillery plant Here are some signs that may indicate the presence of worms
- Small holes or chewed areas on leaves
- Skeletonized leaves where only veins remain
- Presence of tiny white larvae in soil
- Frass (insect waste) on leaves or soil
- Stunted plant growth
Upon closer inspection, you may find caterpillars, inchworms, or fungus gnat larvae on affected plants. Caterpillars and inchworms feast on leaves while fungus gnat larvae attack roots. Identifying the type of worm allows you to tailor your treatment method accordingly.
Natural and Organic Worm Treatments
When dealing with worms in artillery plants, opt for gentle yet effective organic and natural remedies before resorting to harsh chemical pesticides Here are some safe ways to get rid of worms
Neem Oil
The natural pesticidal properties of neem oil make it ideal for controlling soft-bodied pests like worms. Mix neem oil with water per label instructions and spray leaves and soil to disrupt the worm life cycle.
Diatomaceous Earth
This powder made from crushed fossils punctures worms’ exoskeletons when sprinkled on soil, eventually causing dehydration and death. Use food-grade diatomaceous earth for safe plant application.
Beneficial Nematodes
These microscopic worms prey on soil-dwelling pests like fungus gnat larvae without harming plant roots. Introduce them to potting mix according to package directions.
Insecticidal Soap
Homemade insecticidal soap spray made with mild soap and water can knock out populations of worms when applied to foliage and stems.
Physical Removal
Pluck visible worms from leaves and dispose of them in soapy water to quickly reduce their numbers. Check soil for larvae as well.
How to Prevent Worms in Artillery Plants
Prevention is key to avoid dealing with persistent worm issues. Here are some tips:
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Isolate new plants before introducing to existing collection
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Remove dead leaves and debris
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Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings
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Avoid overwatering and improve drainage
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Use well-draining potting mix, not garden soil
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Monitor plants frequently for early signs of pests
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Treat plants outdoors before bringing inside
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Apply beneficial nematodes or diatomaceous earth regularly
When to Use Chemical Pesticides
While organic methods are ideal, severe worm infestations may warrant the use of chemical pesticides as a last resort if natural treatments fail. Insecticides containing chemicals like bifenthrin or acephate can control heavy worm and caterpillar populations. However, only use these toxic chemicals as directed and with extreme care.
How to Use Pesticides Safely
If chemical intervention is necessary, exercise caution:
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Read and follow all label safety instructions.
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Opt for ready-to-use formulations, not concentrates requiring mixing.
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Apply outdoors or in a well-ventilated area if possible.
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Wear proper protective gear like gloves, long sleeves, and a mask.
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Keep children and pets away during and after application.
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Dispose of unused product properly.
Getting Rid of Worms in Soil
To banish worms from potting mix, try:
Solarization
Solarizing soil using clear plastic sheeting to trap heat can eliminate larvae and eggs.
Freezing
Exposing small amounts of potting mix to freezing temperatures for several weeks can destroy worms.
Replacement
Discarding old potting mix entirely and repotting with fresh, sterile mix.
Beneficial Nematodes
These helpful worms devour harmful soil pests without damaging plant roots.
Preventing Worms from Spreading
To keep worms contained:
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Isolate and treat infested plants immediately
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Sterilize pots and tools with diluted bleach solution before reusing
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Remove and destroy heavily infested plants if worms persist
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Space plants apart to prevent worm movement between pots
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Apply beneficial nematodes or diatomaceous earth to uninfected plants
When to Seek Professional Help
If organic remedies and conservative chemical treatments don’t eliminate worms, consulting a professional may be required. Arborists or horticulturists can identify rare pest varieties if needed and recommend advanced treatment options like growth regulator insecticides or botanical pesticides. They may also detect underlying issues weakening plant health and making it more susceptible to pests.
Getting rid of worms in artillery plants requires persistence. The good news is that close monitoring, early intervention, and integrated organic pest control methods can help protect these unique houseplants. Pay attention for signs of worms, act promptly at the first sight of damage, and be prepared to implement multiple control techniques for the best results. With a diligent approach, you can keep your artillery plant flourishing and worm-free.
Golden Rules When Using Hydrogen Peroxide
- ALWAYS use it diluted, never full strength.
- Purchase a 3% solution of peroxide for plant use, as higher concentrations will burn plants.
- Always label your spray bottle when creating a solution.
- Always test your hydrogen peroxide solution on a small area before applying your spray.
Foliage Infestation Pesticide Spray
- 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 1 cup distilled water
- Do a test area to make sure it doesn’t burn the leaves or delicate root system. Spot-test an area and wait about three days before spraying the rest of the plant to see if there were any ill effects from the spray.
- If the spot-test looks good, proceed. Use a spray bottle to soak the infected plants thoroughly. Make sure to get the undersides of the leaves, top of the soil, and around the pot itself.
- Spray once a week or as you see bugs appear.
- The hydrogen peroxide will not kill eggs, so you may need to repeat the treatment weekly to remove all the bugs.
- Label the bottle and store it out of direct light.
Hydrogen peroxide both treats and further prevents pest infestation. This weaker solution will prevent damage to the leaves and is effective as a general insecticide.
- 1 tsp 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
- 1 cup water
- Combine in a spray bottle to thoroughly soak the infected plants. Make sure to get the undersides of the leaves.
- Use this mixture as a foliar spray to keep your plants healthy and free from bugs. Spray once a week.
- Label the bottle and store it out of direct light.
How to Get Rid of Grubs
FAQ
How to get rid of worms in plant soil?
How to get rid of worms in a snake plant?
How do I get rid of worms in my buds?
How to get rid of artillery fungus on plants home?
Does artillery fungus kill plants?
It forcefully ejects its mature spores high up in the air, leaving pesky stains. The good news is that while artillery fungus is a nuisance because it is unsightly, it is not harmful to humans or pets, it does not kill garden plants, nor does it cause any structural damage to the surfaces it lands on.
How do I get rid of artillery fungus?
That is, you cannot beat the artillery fungus (at this time), so manage it. Use mulches that the artillery fungus doesn’t like, such as large pine bark nuggets. Then, put down a fresh layer of mulch each year – we have no evidence for this, but yearly applications of layers of mulch really seem to inhibit the artillery fungus.
What is artillery fungus?
Artillery fungus ( Sphaerobulus stellatus) is a fungus that develops on rotting wood in a moist environment. What makes it unique is the way it shoots its spores into the air after so much liquid has built up in its mature fruiting bodies that they burst open.
How do you get rid of artillery fungus in mulch?
It is recommended that old mulch is raked to expose the spores to light and dry out the material, or 3 inches (8 cm.) of new mulch added over the old to suffocate the spores of artillery fungus in mulch. There is no recommended artillery fungus treatment.