What Are Those Tiny Bugs on My Artillery Plant? Identification and Control Tips

The artillery plant (Pilea microphylla) is a popular houseplant known for its oval green leaves and tiny white flowers. Its trailing stems and easy care make it an excellent option for hanging baskets or terrariums. However, artillery plant owners may notice tiny insects or “bugs” on their plants and wonder how they got there and what to do about them. With some knowledge of common artillery plant pests, you can properly identify them and take steps to control an infestation organically and safely.

What Bugs Are Found on Artillery Plants?

Several types of small soft-bodied insects may take up residence on your artillery plant. The most common houseplant pests that affect pilea plants include

• Aphids – These pear-shaped, green, yellow, black or white insects cluster on young leaves and stems where they pierce plant tissues and suck out the sap An aphid infestation can cause curled, wrinkled or yellowing leaves. They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew that leads to black sooty mold growth

• Mealybugs – Identified by their white waxy coating, mealybugs suck plant juices and cause weak, stunted growth. They also produce honeydew that attracts ants and sooty mold.

• Spider mites – Too small to see with the naked eye, spider mites form webs on the undersides of leaves and cause stippling or speckled discoloration on the tops of leaves. Heavy mite infestations can defoliate a plant.

• Fungus gnats – These tiny dark flies with long legs do not directly harm plants, but their larvae feed on plant roots, causing stunted growth and wilting. The adults are merely a nuisance.

• Thrips – Slender winged insects under 1/25 inch long, thrips rasp and feed on leaf surfaces, leading to silvery-bronze scarring, dots or streaks on leaves.

What Attracts Bugs to Artillery Plants?

There are a few key reasons why pests may find their way to your artillery plant:

• Stressed plants – Insects attack weakened, stressed plants more readily than healthy ones. Underwatering, overwatering, inadequate light or poor soil can stress plants and make them more susceptible.

• Overcrowding – Congested growing conditions encourage pests to spread from plant to plant. Space plants appropriately.

• Unclean tools or soil – Reusing contaminated pots or tools spreads pests to new plants. Sterilize pots and prune with clean shears.

• Bringing infested plants indoors – New plants brought home from the nursery may already harbor pests that then spread. Inspect and isolate new plants.

• Clutter near plants – Debris and dust around plants provides shelter and breeding spots for pests. Keep the area tidy.

• Poor air circulation – Stagnant, still air allows pests to thrive. Use fans to keep air moving.

How to Get Rid of Bugs on Artillery Plant

If you detect any pests on your artillery plants, taking quick action is key before they multiply and spread further. Here are some effective organic methods to eliminate bugs on pilea plants:

Insecticidal Soap

• Insecticidal soaps based on potassium salts of fatty acids can kill soft-bodied insects through contact. Spray directly on bugs and undersides of leaves.

• Safe for people and plants when used as directed. May require multiple applications.

Neem Oil

• Derived from the seeds of the neem tree, neem oil disrupts the growth and reproduction of insects when sprayed on plants.

• Acts as both an insecticide and fungicide. Also helps deter future pests.

• Use a diluted neem oil foliar spray once a week until pests are gone.

Prune Heavily Infested Parts

• Remove any leaves or stems that are heavily covered with pests. This instantly eliminates part of the infestation.

• Throw away the clippings immediately – do not compost them.

• Be vigilant and continue treating since bugs may still be present on the rest of the plant.

Apply Horticultural Oil

• Lightweight oils smother soft-bodied pests and their eggs. Coat all leaf surfaces to control immature and adult stages.

• Oils also curb the growth of sooty mold fungus.

• Avoid applying oil during the heat of day or it may burn foliage.

Use Sticky Traps

• Yellow or blue sticky traps attract pests like fungus gnats, thrips, and whiteflies.

• Traps capture flying adults before they can reproduce. Monitor to detect when populations spike.

• Sticky traps alone will not end an infestation – use them along with other treatments.

Remove Webbing & Prune Leaves

• Remove any visible webs from spider mites with a damp paper towel. This helps eliminate their protective colonies.

• Prune off badly damaged foliage which may shelter high pest populations. Discard immediately.

Apply Diatomaceous Earth

• This powder made from crushed fossils scratches the exoskeleton of crawling insects leading to dehydration. Spread lightly on soil.

• Food-grade diatomaceous earth is non-toxic for people and pets. Reapply after watering.

Use Row Covers

• Floating row covers are a physical barrier that keeps flying insect pests off plants.

• Drape the fabric directly over plants and secure with clips or pins. Allow airflow inside.

• Can help protect against future infestations but does not kill existing pests already on the plant.

Control Ants

• Ants often appear if aphids, mealybugs or other sap-sucking insects are present secreting honeydew.

• Apply sticky barriers like tanglefoot, a non-toxic sticky paste, around plant pots to keep ants from climbing up.

• Eliminate the honeydew source by treating the insects and sooty mold.

How to Prevent Bugs on Artillery Plants

While dealing with a current pest problem is important, prevention is ideal to avoid infestations in the first place. Here are some tips to help keep bugs off your artillery plants:

• Provide proper growing conditions – adequate bright, indirect light, moderate temperatures, well-draining soil mix, and routine fertilizing.

• Allow space between plants for air circulation and to avoid overcrowding.

• Inspect new plants closely before bringing them home. Isolate them for a few weeks.

• Sterilize pots, trays and gardening tools with a dilute bleach solution before reuse.

• Remove dust and debris near plants that can harbor pests. Keep the area clean.

• Hose plants down gently every few weeks to wash away eggs or larvae.

• Avoid excess moisture and prune away dead leaves or stems where pests can hide.

• Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap monthly as a preventive foliar spray to deter pests.

Catching and treating artillery plant pests promptly preserves the health, growth, and appearance of these attractive houseplants. With some diligence regarding good culture and sanitation, you can avoid major pest infestations and enjoy your artillery plant’s gracefully arching foliage. Consistent inspection along with organic insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, or neem treatments will help keep destructive bugs at bay.