Aphids on anthurium
What's Happening
Aphids (Aphis gossypii and Myzus persicae) colonize Anthurium andraeanum to feed on phloem sap, targeting new growth, flower spathes, and tender leaf undersides. These soft-bodied insects reproduce parthenogenetically, producing live young every 3-5 days, allowing populations to explode from 10 to 1000+ individuals within 3 weeks. Heavy infestations cause leaf curling, stunted growth, and honeydew secretion that promotes sooty mold growth on foliage.
How to Fix It
- 1
Quarantine infested plant immediately to prevent spread to collection
- 2
Manual removal: Wipe aphids from leaves with damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol
- 3
Insecticidal soap treatment: Apply 2% solution (1 tsp castile soap per quart water) every 5-7 days for 3 applications, targeting leaf undersides
- 4
Neem oil alternative: Mix 1% neem oil (2 tsp per quart water) with 0.5% liquid soap as emulsifier; apply evening to avoid leaf burn
- 5
Systemic control (severe cases): Apply imidacloprid granules to soil per label instructions for 3-4 week residual protection
How to Prevent It
Inspect new plants thoroughly before introducing to collection—check leaf undersides and new growth. Maintain strong airflow around plants. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen which creates soft, aphid-attractive growth.