What to Check, Every Water

  • Undersides of leaves -- mealybugs, spider mites, scale hide here.
  • Leaf joints and new growth -- aphids and thrips cluster there.
  • Soil surface -- fungus gnats flutter up when disturbed.
  • Sticky residue -- honeydew from sap-suckers invites sooty mould.

Early Clues

Tiny webs, white fluffy dots, black specks that move, or sudden yellow stippling are all early warnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I see nothing moving -- is it pests?

A:

Not necessarily; check for webbing and sticky film, the surest signs.

Q: One plant or all of them?

A:

Isolate the suspect; pests spread, so treat the one you found first.

Q: How often should I inspect?

A:

Every watering -- two minutes is enough.

Early eyes save collections. Name anything odd instantly with the pest identifier.