Does Money Plant Attract Insects? Here’s What You Need To Know

The money plant also known as pothos or Epipremnum aureum is a popular houseplant known for its heart-shaped green leaves and vining growth habit. But despite its resilient nature, money plants can fall victim to insect infestations. So does owning a money plant mean inviting bugs into your home? Let’s investigate the facts.

An Overview of Common Pests on Money Plants

Unfortunately several common houseplant pests are attracted to the tender shoots and sap-filled leaves of the money plant. Be on the lookout for these usual suspects

• Mealybugs – These sap-sucking insects hide in cottony masses on stems and leaves. They cause yellowing foliage and stunt growth.

• Aphids – Tiny, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and distort leaves as they feed.

• Fungus gnats – These small flying insects don’t harm plants directly but indicate overwatering Their larvae eat plant roots

• Spider mites – Barely visible pests that create webbing on leaves and cause stippling damage.

What Attracts Pests to Money Plants?

There are a few key factors that can make your money plant a beacon for bugs and cause infestations to take hold:

• Overwatering – Excess moisture creates a breeding ground for fungus gnats and promotes root rot.

• Lack of air circulation – Stagnant air allows pests to thrive. Clustered growth also inhibits airflow.

• Direct sunlight – Excess light stresses plants and makes them more vulnerable.

• Lack of cleaning – Dust buildup makes it easier for pests to attach and feed.

• High humidity – While money plants appreciate humidity, too much moisture permits pests to multiply rapidly.

• Poor nutrition – Weak or stressed plants are more susceptible to infestations.

Prevention is Key for Pest-Free Money Plants

The best defense is a good offense when it comes to keeping pests off your money plant. Here are some key prevention tips:

• Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

• Provide bright, indirect light to avoid stressing the plant.

• Regularly wipe dust off leaves and keep the area around the plant clean.

• Prune overcrowded growth to encourage airflow.

• Provide a well-draining potting mix and avoid waterlogged soil.

• Apply neem oil once a month as a preventative barrier.

• Inspect new plants thoroughly before introducing them.

• Isolate new acquisitions for a few weeks to prevent hitchhikers.

• Ensure proper nutrition with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.

Safely Eliminating Existing Pest Problems

If pests infiltrate despite your best efforts, here are some organic remedies to get your money plant back to health:

• Insecticidal soaps – Spray directly on insects for contact-killing action.

• Neem oil – Smothers soft-bodied insects and deters fungal disease.

• Alcohol solution – Wipe down leaves with a 70% isopropyl alcohol & water solution.

• Horticultural oils – Suffocate mites, aphids, whitefly, and scales.

• Beneficial insects – Predatory mites, ladybugs, lacewings consume plant pests.

• Sticky traps – Catch adult fungus gnat flies before they lay more eggs.

• Removing affected growth – Prune off badly infested stems and leaves.

• Repotting – Remove all old soil and sterilize the pot to fully eliminate larvae.

Be vigilant about monitoring your plant and take action at the first signs of an infestation. This integrated pest management approach helps keep pest populations at bay while avoiding the overuse of harsh chemicals.

Maintaining a Healthy Environment

While pests may always be lurking, you can tip the scales in your favor by optimizing your money plant’s environment:

• Provide bright, indirect sunlight from an east or west-facing window. Rotate the plant periodically for even growth.

• Water thoroughly only when the top inch of soil is dry. Empty any water that accumulates in the saucer.

• Wipe leaves weekly with a damp cloth to remove dust and regularly check for pests.

• Prune crowded stems and leaves to encourage air circulation.

• Keep humidity around 40-50% for a pest-free environment.

• Repot when roots fill the container using a well-draining potting mix.

• Fertilize monthly in the growing season with a balanced houseplant food.

Vigilance Is Your Best Defense

While money plants are modest in their care needs, they do require our watchful eye to help them thrive in an indoor environment. Stay alert for early warning signs of infestations, and be prepared to take prompt action at the first sign of trouble. Pair these diligent plant parenting habits with optimal care techniques, and your money plant will reward you with vigorous, pest-free growth for years to come.