The African spear plant, also commonly known as the cylindrical snake plant, is a succulent houseplant that consists of spear-like, pointy-tipped, gray-green, subtly striped leaves. African spear plants grow best in hot, dry climates with sandy, well-draining soil, preferring morning sun to afternoon sun and temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is toxic to pets. Read on for our care guide.
The African spear plant, also known as Dracaena angolensis or Sansevieria cylindrica, is a popular houseplant known for its unique cylindrical foliage However, like all plants, it can fall victim to common pests if proper prevention and control methods are not followed In this article, we will discuss some of the most prevalent African spear plant pests and provide tips on how to keep them at bay.
Overview of Common African Spear Plant Pests
Some of the most common pests that affect the African spear plant include
- Spider mites
- Mealybugs
- Scale insects
- Aphids
- Thrips
- Fungus gnats
These tiny pests can quickly infest and damage African spear plants. Spider mites and mealybugs extract sap, causing yellowing or spotting on leaves. Scale insects attach to stems and leaves, secreting honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth. Aphids and thrips pierce plant tissues, distorting growth. Fungus gnat larvae feed on roots, leading to stunted growth.
Left uncontrolled, heavy infestations of these pests can seriously weaken and even kill African spear plants Therefore, prevention and early control is key
Effective Prevention Methods
Here are some tips to help prevent pests on your African spear plant:
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Inspect plants regularly – Check under leaves and along stems at least once a week for early signs of infestation. Catching pests early makes control easier.
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Provide proper care – A healthy, thriving African spear plant is less susceptible to pests. Meet its light, water, temperature and humidity needs.
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Keep area clean – Remove fallen leaves and debris which can harbor pests. Disinfect pots and tools.
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Allow soil to dry out between waterings – Most pests thrive in damp conditions. Allowing the soil to dry prevents fungus gnats.
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Isolate new plants – Quarantine new plants for a few weeks to prevent introducing pests.
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Apply horticultural oils – These suffocate and control pest populations when applied regularly.
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Use yellow sticky traps – Traps placed near plants capture fungus gnats and other flying pests.
Safe and Effective Control Methods
If pests do occur, here are some safe and effective control methods:
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Manual removal – For mild infestations, wipe or pick pests off by hand using a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Be persistent.
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Insecticidal soap – Spray plants thoroughly with insecticidal soap which kills soft-bodied pests like aphids, mealybugs and mites through contact. Apply weekly.
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Neem oil – This organic pesticide disrupts the life cycle of pests when applied regularly. It also repels new pests.
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Systemic granules – Mixed into soil, these release pest-killing ingredients taken up by plant roots to control mealybugs, aphids, etc.
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Beneficial insects – Releasing ladybugs, lacewings, etc. allows them to naturally consume pests. Requires repeat releases.
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Pruning – For severe infestations, prune off heavily infested parts to get rid of pests. Disinfect shears after each cut.
Be sure to carefully follow all pesticide label instructions. Isolate treated plants away from people and pets until dry. Combining multiple strategies often proves most effective for pest control on African spear plants.
Left unchecked, common pests like spider mites, scale, and mealybugs can quickly damage and devastate your African spear plant. Fortunately, through diligent inspection, proper care and integrated pest management you can keep these pests at bay. Implement preventive practices, and if pests do occur, control them using gentle but effective methods. With some vigilance your African spear plant can continue thriving pest-free for years to come.
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Propagating African Spear Plant
African spear plants can be propagated by planting seeds, division, or replanting offshoots or “pups” as they emerge from the parent plant. They are best planted at the start of the growing season in the spring. In the wild, they grow in dense groupings, spreading by creeping rhizomes under the soil. Heres how to divide African spear plants:
- You will need two containers with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
- Remove the plant from the pot.
- Gently separate a clump of stems from the main rootball.
- Repot both clumps into pots with fresh, peat-free compost. Put at least one inch of fresh soil at the bottom of the pot. Put the new root section in the middle of the pot and fill in the sides around the new root section.
- Give water, watching it drain out of the drain holes. Do not water again until the soil is completely dried out.
Pups or offshoots that emerge from the base of the parent plant can also be removed and replanted into a new container, the same way as you would if you were dividing the plant. Wait until these baby plants are at least 6 inches high before cutting them off from the main plant and planting them separately.
How to Grow African Spear Plants From Seeds
Seed propagation is more complex than division, mainly because seeds are harder to come by and have low germination success. Germination can take up to six weeks if it occurs at all. Heres how to grow African spear plants from seeds:
- To prepare seeds for planting, soak them in room-temperature water for three to five days.
- Fill a small pot with seed starting mix, moistening the substrate.
- Sprinkle the seeds over the top of the mix.
- Lightly cover with a thin smattering of mix.
- Place the pot on a warming mat or in a warm spot at 68 to 80 F with bright, indirect light.
- Cover the pot with a plastic bag or wrap to create a greenhouse-like atmosphere.
- Once a day, open the plastic covering, giving fresh air to the plant for about an hour.
- Upon noticing growth, entirely remove the plastic.
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FAQ
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