Angel Vine & Aphids

About Aphids

• Tiny insects, aphids may be green, black, yellow, red or brown, depending on species. Most are wingless but have the interesting ability to produce winged offspring as a response to pressure from competition. Aphids have an apparatus on their mouths that allow them to suck the juices from the angel vine's foliage and flowers. Individual aphids are difficult to see, but they tend to cluster, especially on the undersides of foliage.

Symptoms of an Infestation

• Curled, yellow and distorted foliage is an obvious symptom of an aphid infestation. You may notice that new growth is stunted, although angel vine foliage is so small, it may be difficult to tell. Check the angel vine for ants. Aphids secrete a substance known as honeydew that attracts ants. If there's an ant infestation, there is most likely an aphid infestation as well. Look for black fuzzy splotches on leaves. Honeydew attracts sooty mold which is black.

Organic Solutions

• The first aphid control method to try is hosing off the angel vine with a strong blast of water. This typically knocks off small infestations. Aphids have natural enemies including ladybugs and a type of wasp that lays eggs on the aphids. The eggs act as parasites, killing the pests. Ladybugs may be purchased at many large gardening centers. Water the angel vine's foliage and, in the morning or at dusk, release 1,500 ladybugs on the lower end of the vine. Release an additional 1,500 the following week. Research studies at the University of California show that the ladybugs typically fly away within 48 hours of release, hopefully depositing eggs before doing so.

Chemical Control

• Nurseries and gardening centers carry a wide variety of insecticides formulated to kill aphids. Some require foliar applications, while others are soil drenches. Some of the chemicals to look for include permethrin and malathion. Although pesticides present an easy and convenient method of controlling aphids, keep in mind that they are indiscriminate and kill the pest's natural enemies as well as bees. Some of the chemicals contained in pesticides are highly toxic to humans and pets, so care must be taken during their use.