The plants that attract the white fly are often the most beautiful in the garden … but also the most fragile. Knowing them really, and understanding how to protect them immediately, can make a huge difference.
Sometimes a breath of wind is enough, a sudden movement of air, and those tiny white insects begin to flutter from all sides. They seem almost harmless, but those who have some experience in the garden knows: the white fly It is all that a simple annoyance. He is small, yes, but stubborn. It attacks everywhere, sucksing energy from the leaves and leaves behind a sticky patina that does not promise anything good. In some cases, within a few days, it can transform a healthy plant into an exhausted vegetable, yellowish and covered with black mushrooms.
And that’s why it is better to play in advance. They are not needed magical potions or expert solutions: sometimes careful eyes are enough and some natural make -up to keep everything under control. If leaves that crumn, shiny patches or that annoying white powder on the back appear … better not to waste time. The first step? Understand What are the most vulnerable plants.
The plants most affected by the white fly
Strange but true: the white fly has very precise tastes. He doesn’t attack everything, but when he finds what he likes, he doesn’t go easily. THE geraniumsfor example, are among his favorites. Those who have a flowery balcony know them well: beautiful to look at, but also a perfect target. The hydrangeawith their sugary lymph, are equally inviting. And in the garden? Woe to neglect tomatoes and zucchiniwhich often become base camp for whole colonies. Also the fucsia and the begenie are among the most at risk. Curious, right? They are among the most chosen plants to decorate terraces and balconies, yet for this reason they are also among the most threatened. And be careful to basil: Yes, just him. In certain conditions, such as too humid and not very ventilated environments, it can become a real magnet for these insects.
Those who live in the apartment is not excluded from the problem. The internal plants, protected and sheltered, can become a perfect refuge for the white fly, especially if the environment is warm and not very ventilated.
How to defend plants: effective (and natural) remedies
“Preventing is better than taking care”: an old saying, but always current. With the white fly, you don’t joke. Once he took possession of the plants, sending it away becomes a challenge. But not everything is lost. There are simple solutions, within the reach of anyone, who can really make a difference.
The important thing is to be constant and do not wait for the problem to be worsen. Better to act to the first signs, even if only by precaution. And no, you don’t need to turn into phytopathology experts: a few gestures and a little attention are enough.
Here are some of the most effective solutions to keep the white fly away:
- Potassico soft soap: diluted in water and sprayed on the leaves, suffocates the insects without damaging the plant.
- Neem oil: disturb the life cycle of the white fly, making it less active and less prolific.
- Yellow chromotropic traps: They attract and block adults in flight, helping to reduce the population.
- Garlic infusions or chilli pepper: If you spray regularly, they discourage the presence of insects.
- Useful insects: ladybugs and chrysopids are real natural allies against the white fly.
As for chemical pesticides, better avoid them. Not only can they compromise the quality of the harvest, but they risk eliminating good insects. And those, in the garden, are pure gold.
When and where to intervene: useful tips not to make mistakes
There is a common point among all successful infestations: the start always goes unnoticed. For this you need a eye. Watch under The leaves, where the white fly deposited its eggs, can really make a difference. There is no need to stay there with the magnifying glass every day, just a controllatin every 2-3 days to the most delicate plants.
Better still if plants are placed in Well ventilated and bright places. The air circulating and the direct sun put these insects in difficulty. Ah, and don’t forget to change the vase or soil every now and then: rotate crops Seasonally it prevents parasites from finding a stable house.
During the summer months, the problem amplifies: the heat accelerates everything, even the reproduction of insects. For this it may be useful to spray a natural solution in advance every ten days. Little effort, great results.
We tend to think that it is enough for a treatment and go. But the truth is, you need a little patience. And of Constance. It’s like doing laundry: better to do it well once more than find yourself having to throw everything.
After all, those who love green knows: the plants that attract the white fly They can continue to flourish and stay very well, if you follow carefully. Isn’t this also the beauty of dealing with nature? Every day there is something to discover, to fix, to save.
And those small daily victories know how to give a satisfaction that is priceless.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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