In spring I got 4 huge house palms which I potted in containers. Now I need to slowly think on how to over winter them. I don't have a greenhouse and need to get them into the house. But I am horrified to get any bugs in the house that may live in the soil. How can I kill those bugs without hurting the palms before I move them indoors?
How can I kill any bugs in a huge container plant
Hope somebody chimes in...I'm wondering, also...I have about 6 plants that I've nurtured from seed that need more time and will have to be wintered over in the house...I'm also concerned about soil critters hatching or thriving from their new, comfy warm environment if I bring the plants indoors, but it will kill me to just let them die after getting them so far along...
Anyone have suggestions???
Use diluted neem oil spray the plant throughly and soak the soil that it sits in. This is an organic insecticide so it wouldn't hurt anything once it's moved indoors. If you want something non-organic but not as harmful you could use sevin powder or liquid form on the plant and soil...
Thank you very much for the response. I will order this Neem oil spray. I need something organic and safe for pets, because the palms will be in my tortoise pens over the winter.
Ultimate has a really good solution with the Neem Oil. I have to say though, I rarely get any bug infestations in my Containers. (touch wood!)
When putting containers outside,care has to be taken that they sit off the ground. I put them on up side down pots. turned over saucers, plates or terra cotta drain pipes, also terra cotta chimney flutes work. Feet for planters made by criss crossing four pieces of desired size 2x4's stained or painted work well and look nice. By doing this the infestation stays at a minimum
Thanks to all who replied!
When I went to get the products suggested, I found a product I believe to be fairly new, so I am trying it, along with the Neem.
It's called Bayer 2 in 1 Insect Control plus Fertilizer for indoor and outdoor potted plants. Contains 10 spikes (they look like humongous tablets) that you just push into the soil. I broke them in 1/2 to get a good distribution in what are pretty good size pots.
We always get fungus gnats in the winter up here, but I've also experienced nematodes, which grossed me out. Took days to identify what these things were that were showing up dead all over the house (they are quite the travelers) and then to determine which soil they were in....So I'm a bit over cautious about bringing anything in...LOL
KatG...(Who doesn't know she is one of my DG Idols)...Can't believe you don't get critters with your humidity...Maybe the lizards keep things under control...
Hi, lurker and admirer, here... I wanted to say the Bayers come in granular, too, medium blue plastic jug. I use it and neem spray on my brugmansia and hibiscus.
Hey, Chocolatemoose, is that Bayer supposed to work on aphids too? They are my main problem when I bring plants inside to overwinter.
Package says it works on : Aphids, Leafhoppers, Mealybugs, Plant bugs, Scales, Thrips and Whiteflies....Maybe I'm stupid but what is a "Plant Bug"???...Aren't they all plant bugs???
AuntB...Thanks...I'll have to look for the granuals as an option to sprinkle on top
I'll be darned, there actually IS a "plant bug":
http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef419.asp