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Frequently Asked Questions

Look in the links above for a specific topic or scan the questions below. Questions are arranged by date so you may want to jump down to the month when you are experiencing trouble. Follow the links within the answers for a complete description of the insect/disease cycle and discussion on causes and control.

Fungus gnats can become a serious nuisance around potted plants. The larvae(maggots) feed in soil high in organic matter and can injure the roots of the plant(s) they inhabit. Prevention: always use sterile potting mix to prevent introduction of fungus gnats. Over-watering and poor drainage can result in a buildup of fungus gnats. Allowing the soil to dry as much as possible, without injury to the plant, is effective in killing many of the larvae. Remove all dead plant debris that may collect on the surface of the soil. Yellow sticky card (traps) can be used for adult fungus gnat detection and monitoring. Place traps just above the plants. Replace when covered with insects. Slices of potato placed on top of the soil can be used to monitor and trap out larva.

Small flies in the house may also be fruit flies or drain flies. Fruit flies feed on ripe fruit or sugary liquids found in empty soda or juice cans and drain flies feed on scum in kitchen sink pipes. For drain flies, use a drain cleaner followed the next day with boiling water.

A. Remove the plants from their pots to check the roots. If you see a profusion of roots around the edges, then they should be repotted. Spider plants LIKE to be pot bound, so use a pot that is only a few inches bigger than the original. Spider plants are also very tolerant to changes in lighting and environment. This plant should be fine. Try not to subject them to rapid changes. Don't take them from an indoor room in Cattaraugus Co to an outdoor patio in California. Keep a close eye on soil moisture. Check the soil daily with your finger. Water when the top inch is dry.

Q. 4/20The principal in my building has asked me to shorten or stake the plant in this picture. I don't have any experience with them . Do you have any ideas?

A. First lets explore why this plant needs staking. It may be growing too long and weak because it is not getting enough sunlight. Rubber plants like full sun. Another reason may be that it is being over fertilized. Try a weaker solution or fertilize less often.

To stake the plant just insert 1"x1" stakes in the pot and loosely tie the tallest stems to it. Or you may cut back the tall, weak stems back to the soil line. To save the cuttings as new plants try air layering before cutting.

A. Your ficus is infested with scale. This is a leaf sucking insect that looks like small brown spots on the leaves. They feed on leaf juices and secrete a sticky substance that falls on leaves below them. Control with an insecticidal soap for house plants. Always read the label before purchase, use and disposal of any pesticide.

A. I assume that this is a flowering, potted, hibiscus, which is an indoor plant in our region. The symptoms that you describe may be caused by many factors; soil too wet, soil too dry, infestation of mealy bug or spider mites. Have you moved this plant outside recently. If so, my guess would be that the problem is sun scald: too hot and dry, and the leaves are not accustomed to the high temperatures. When moving plants outside, start by leaving them out for short periods in a shaded area protected from wind.

A. The white fluffs on your African violet are mealy bugs. You can use soapy water and a cotton swab or cloth to remove them. Commercial pesticides are also available such as Insecticidal soap, neem, acephate resmethrin, pyrethrum. When using pesticides, always read the label.

This publication may contain pesticide recommendations that are subject to change at any time. These recommendations are provided only as a guide. It is always the pesticide applicator's responsibility, by law, to read and follow all current label directions for the specific pesticide being used. Due to constantly changing labels and product registrations, some of the suggestions given in this writing may no longer be legal by the time you read them. If any information in these recommendations disagrees with the label, the recommendation must be disregarded. No endorsement is intended for products mentioned, nor is criticism meant for products not mentioned. The author and Cornell Cooperative Extension assume no liability resulting form the use of these guidelines.

Houseplant Links

Cornell Gardening Resources - Houseplants