Getting Rid of Pesky Scale Insects on Bird of Paradise Plants

The dramatic, sculptural flowers of bird of paradise plants are hard to miss But upon closer inspection of the leaves, you may notice bumpy white or brown spots These could very well be scale insects, a common pest of these beautiful tropical plants.

While a scale infestation rarely kills the plant it can weaken and deform growth. If left unchecked scales can spread rapidly making plants appear unsightly. The good news is that with persistence and the right treatments, scales can be controlled to restore the health and beauty of your bird of paradise.

Identifying Scale Insects on Bird of Paradise

Scales are small sap-sucking insects that attach themselves to stems, leaves, and other plant parts to feed. There are two main types:

• Armored scale – Round flat bumps less than 1/8 inch wide. Often white, tan, or brown. Have a waxy protective coating.

• Soft scale – Larger, oval bumps up to 1/4 inch long. Smooth and soft-bodied. May secrete sticky honeydew leading to black sooty mold growth.

Check the undersides of leaves and where leaves meet stems for telltale bumps. Use a magnifying glass to inspect closely. Gently scrape off a bump – live scales will be shallowly attached and easy to flick off.

If left uncontrolled, scales reproduce rapidly, spreading across leaves and stems. They insert piercing mouthparts into the plant to suck nutrients, causing yellow spots, deformed growth, leaf drop, and sometimes dieback on heavily infested plants.

Why Bird of Paradise Get Scale

Bird of paradise plants are prone to scale infestations for several reasons:

• Originating in warm tropical regions, they lack cold tolerance and freeze damage stresses them.

• Their large, soft leaves provide an ideal habitat for scales to colonize.

• Their sap is rich in nutrients, which is very attractive to scales.

• Slow growth in winter gives scales a chance to rapidly multiply.

• Close plant spacing and warm conditions allow scales to easily spread from plant to plant.

While bird of paradise plants are more susceptible than other plants, scales will infest many different hosts. It’s crucial to control populations and prevent them from spreading.

Getting Rid of Scale on Bird of Paradise

Here are some organic approaches to break the scale life cycle and control infestations on bird of paradise:

• Prune out heavily infested leaves and stems – Remove the worst areas of infestation to eliminate large populations. Seal clippings in a bag and dispose of properly.

• Use horticultural oils – Light oils smother scales without harming plants. Thoroughly coat all leaf surfaces. Repeat every 7-10 days for 2-3 applications.

• Apply insecticidal soap spray – Spray plants, especially the undersides of leaves, every 5-7 days for several weeks. Kills juvenile scales.

• Release ladybugs – Natural predators that feed on scales. Buy and release near infested plants every 2-3 weeks.

• Apply neem oil – Disrupts scale growth and reproduction. Coat plants every 7-10 days for a few weeks.

• Promote vigorous growth – Healthy, vigorously growing plants better resist scales. Fertilize and prune to encourage new growth.

With persistence using multiple integrated methods, scale populations can be substantially reduced. It takes diligence, but it’s worth the effort to protect the beauty of bird of paradise plants and their stunning, sculptural blooms. Don’t let scales detract from this tropical showpiece.

Preventing Scale on Bird of Paradise

Prevention is the best solution when it comes to dealing with scales. Here are some handy tips to help avoid infestations in the first place:

• Choose resistant cultivars like giant bird of paradise, which is less troubled by pests.

• Carefully inspect new plants for signs of scales before purchase and planting.

• Allow adequate spacing between plants to increase airflow.

• Avoid excess fertilization which causes tender, succulent growth that scales love.

• Monitor monthly and treat early before scales can spread.

• Remove any chill-damaged foliage, which stresses plants.

• Control ants that interfere with natural predators.

• Use row covers to exclude immigrating adult scales.

• Frequently turn potted plants and inspect all sides.

While scales may occasionally find bird of paradise plants, staying proactive helps prevent major issues down the road. Pay close attention and act quickly at the first signs of scales before populations explode. A preventative, integrated pest management approach keeps bird of paradise healthy and continuously blooming.

To eliminate scale insects on plants, begin by manually removing visible pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or by pruning infested leaves. For larger infestations, consider using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil sprays, ensuring thorough coverage and repeat applications every 7-10 days.