Insects of the Purple Velvet Houseplant

Insects

• The purple velvet plant has no serious disease or insect problems but has been known to develop infestations of aphids, spider mites, mealybugs and whiteflies. These insects are more of an annoyance and rarely threaten the life of the purple velvet plant or cause long-term damage. Aphids found in houseplants typically have a greenish color and pear-shaped body. A spider mite infestation will result in webbing covering the leaves and stems of the purple velvet houseplant. These tiny insects are difficult to see and may appear as pinhead-size dots moving on the leaves. Mealybugs have a cotton-like appearance and congregate in clusters on the underside of foliage. White flying insects that resemble small moths are whiteflies and generally fly off the purple velvet plant when the houseplant is disturbed.

Chemical Control

• Neem oil, insecticidal soap and horticultural oil are common chemical insecticides that have a low toxicity level to humans and mammals, and are generally consider safe for use both inside and outside the home. Neem oil is made from the seed extract of a tropical tree called the neem plant. Insecticidal soap generally requires diluting with water before using at a ratio of up to 3 percent concentration. Horticultural oils are diluted mineral, petroleum or distillated oils that smother insects. All three products will control or suppress whiteflies, scales, aphids, mealybugs and spider mites

  Remember that each type and brand of insecticide has specific mixing and application instructions recommended by the manufacturer. Following these instructions will help reduce injury to the plant.

Homemade Control

• When insects attack the purple velvet plant, it is not always necessary to purchase expensive insecticides. Several inexpensive ingredients often found in the home can act as a homemade insect spray to kill undesirable pests feeding on the purple velvet houseplant. One cup of cooking oil from a freshly opened bottle -- when mixed with 1 tablespoon of dish soap -- acts as a concentrated oil spray that controls whiteflies, mealybugs, aphids and spidermites. Simply dilute 4 teaspoons of the concentrated oil concoction with about a pint of lukewarm water and mist the purple velvet houseplant. Repeat treatments at 7-day intervals until the pests are gone.

Cultural Control

• Several cultural changes can sanitation practices can help reduce the possibility of pest attacks. Keep the houseplant healthy and never allow the plant to become stressed due to too little or too much water. Before watering the houseplant, insert your finger several inches into the potting soil. If the soil feels moist, forgo watering until the soil begins to feel dry. Furthermore, regularly remove dead, dying or diseased leaves off the plant and never let fallen plant material lay at the base of the purple velvet houseplant.