Candy for pests
Plants have two main types of sap. The sap that goes from the roots upwards is mainly responsible for carrying water and dissolved minerals to the rest of the plant. That's called xylem sap (said ‘zai-luhm’). It flows from roots to the upside of leaves and contains low nutrient content.
BUT it's the other main type of sap that the bad bugs LOVE. It’s like lollies for pests. After photosynthesis, the sap becomes extra-nutritious to pests. Called phloem sap (said 'flow-em'), it's now primarily made up of sugars (mainly sucrose), and other nutrients.
Lifting leaves saves plant lives
The underside of leaves also offers other benefits beyond a buffet. Being harder to spot under leaves helps pests hide from people and other predators as well as extra protection from the elements like rain.
That's why a clever habit to get into is to LIFT LEAVES when you water to make a quick check for sap-sucking pests. Take a close look at buds and new growth too.
3 easy ways to prevent pests
I know pests are probably in every houseplant hobbyist's future, but what you do now could change that story. As well as knowing where they hide so you can regularly inspect under those leaves, there are some simple ways to proactively prevent pests. Here are my top 3 favourites...
Forsana Foliage Magic
Foliage Magic is a chemical-free foliage spray you can use every 2 to 4 weeks to help keep pests away. It combines 3 of Nature's pest repellents, neem oil and essential oils lavender and thyme, as well as hydrogen peroxide (found in rainwater). As well as repelling pests, it's also naturally anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. And it smells SO good. Shop Foliage Magic >
Enspray 99
Certified organic, Enspray 99 is two-in-one pest control that works twice as hard. It's both a pest preventative you can spray proactively once a month, and a registered insecticide you can also use if pests do try to set up home. It's bee and beneficial insect friendly, can also be used on food plants, not just houseplants and pests cannot build up resistance to it so you won't be creating any superbugs! Plus it's a natural fungicide. Shop Enspray 99 >
Plant Runner Neem Spray
Organic neem oil in a ready-to-use foliage spray, mister included with no prep required. This higher strength neem oil spray is gentle enough on foliage to use as regular a leaf shine and naturally rich in health-boosting benefits for plants. And of course neem has natural pest repellent properties. Use every 2 to 4 weeks. Shop Plant Runner Neem Oil >