Shaids on lemon in pots are a common annoyance, but with some natural make -up it is possible to eliminate them effectively and without chemicals. Here’s how to do it in a simple and sustainable way.
Who cultivates a vase lemon He knows how rewarding it may be to see him flourish, perhaps right next to the kitchen window or in a sunny corner of the terrace. But everything doesn’t always queue smooth. Sometimes, without even realizing it, those tiny Esperini – green, black or almost transparent – that begin to colonize the most tender leaves. Are the aphidsand if you do not intervene in time, they can send weeks of care and attention to air.
One of the first signs? Ants. When they start wandering around the vase with too much insistence, something does not come back. And then those crumpled leaves, a little sticky, as if they had taken the rain … but with the full sun. There is no frightening, but not even to underestimate the situation. It takes little, very little, to intervene without resorting to drastic solutions.
Natural remedies against lemon aphids in pots
With aphids, time plays a fundamental role. First you identify them, the easier it will be to eliminate them without stressing the plant. And no, you don’t need to empty the locker of chemicals. On the contrary. One of the simplest and most tested remedies is the Marseille soap. It is grated, melts into warm water (about 20 grams for a liter) and is generously sprayed on the leaves, preferably early or late in the morning. Aphids? Caught abruptly, they lose their cerosa protection and dry out in a short time. Then there is thegarlic. Yes, the garlic of the pantry. Two crushed wedges, ten minutes of boiling in half a liter of water, one night to cool and go with the sprayer. The smell will not be the best, but aphids don’t like aphids at all.
Another ally is the waste nettle. You need a little patience because it must be left in infusion at least two days, but the result repays. Even just the strong perfume – for some almost unbearable – is a natural deterrent. And the chili? Few consider it, but it is a real natural shield. Just let it macerate in warm water for 24 hours. The infusion obtained, sprayed in moderation, keeps more than one parasite at a distance. With the only care: do not exceed, or there is a risk of stressing the poor lemon.
Good practices to prevent infestation
When it comes to plants, prevention is always better than care. And it also applies to aphids. There are many small habits that make the difference, even if at the beginning they seem negligible details. Just a pinch of constancy and a careful eye. Let’s see what precautions can help to avoid the worst:
- Check the leaves often, especially the younger ones, where aphids tend to nest first.
- Pay attention to the saucer: if the water stagnates, the environment becomes perfect for unwanted guests.
- Place the vase in a bright and well -ventilated point. The sun and fresh air strengthen the plant.
- Choose a rich soil, perhaps enriched every now and then with coffee grounds or banana peels.
- Add some aromatic herb in the vase, such as basil or mint: a small army perfumed against insects.
They are simple, almost trivial gestures. But in the long run, they build a healthy and resistant environment. And a strong plant, you know, defends itself better.
When to intervene and what to avoid when the lemon has aphids
It is not uncommon to think that it is a splash and away, a problem solved. But unfortunately, with aphids, it doesn’t work like this. Serve costanzayou need patience. The treatments must be repeated every 3 or 4 days, without haste and without skipping the steps.
A common mistake? Spray the natural remedies in the central hours of the day. With the sun peak, the leaves risk burning. Better to wait early in the morning or late afternoon, when the heat attenuates.
If then the infestation is serious, useless to stress. A light pruning of the most affected parts can make miracles. It lightens the plant and limits the spread of parasites.
And please, no chemical insecticides. Not only because they can ruin the fruits in formation, but also because they eliminate the useful insects – like the ladybugs – which are precious allies in the fight against aphids.
In the end, it’s not just about saving a plant. But to cultivate a green corner that speaks of care, balance, respect. And also of a certain satisfaction: that of seeing one’s lemon flour, without compromise.
Those who love natural solutions know well that each plant has its times, its needs, and even its small secrets. So why not discover others, perhaps just among the aromatic herbs or the balcony citrus fruits?
The surprises, sometimes, are just behind an curled leaf.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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