Got Bugs? A Guide to Common Baby’s Tears Plant Pests and Control

With its delicate, mossy foliage, the baby’s tears plant (Soleirolia soleirolii) brings graceful texture to gardens and containers. But like all plants, it can fall victim to pesky invaders. Learning to identify and control common baby’s tears pests is key to growing a healthy, vigorous plant.

What Bugs and Pests Attack Baby’s Tears?

Several insects and fungi find the soft leaves and moist soil of baby’s tears enticing. Be on the lookout for these common pests:

Spider Mites

Tiny spider mites suck juices from leaves causing stippling discoloration, and wilting. Webbing on undersides of leaves is a telltale sign. They thrive in hot, dry conditions.

Mealybugs

Fluffy white mealybugs attach themselves to leaves and stems, secreting sticky honeydew. They stunt growth and transmit disease.

Aphids

Green, black, or white sap-sucking aphids cluster on new growth. They cause curled, twisted leaves and spread viruses.

Fungus Gnats

Adult fungus gnats are harmless, but their larvae feed on plant roots in moist soil. They spread fungi that cause root rot.

Thrips

Tiny winged thrips rasp and feed on leaves spreading viruses. They leave behind silvery-white splotches and dots.

Scale

Immobile scale insects encrust themselves on leaves and stems sucking sap. Heavy infestations coat plants in honeydew and stunt growth.

Preventing Pests on Baby’s Tears

Growing healthy, vigorous baby’s tears is the best deterrent against pests. Prevention measures include:

• Inspect plants frequently and remove any pests found immediately. Catching infestations early is key.

• Provide good air circulation and avoid overcrowding plants.

• Maintain moderate humidity – excessively dry or moist air encourages pests.

• Don’t over-fertilize, especially with high nitrogen. Too much nitrogen causes succulent growth that attracts pests.

• Remove spent flowers and fallen leaves where pests like to hide.

• Check new plants closely for signs of bugs before bringing indoors. Quarantine new additions.

• Use insect-proof screens to keep out adult thrips and fungus gnats.

Safe, Effective Pest Control Methods

If prevention fails and pests attack your baby’s tears, take action right away to avoid lasting damage. Safe, eco-friendly control methods include:

• Wiping pests off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap. Repeat every few days until gone.

• Applying neem oil, which disrupts insects’ life cycles. Spray leaves including undersides.

• Releasing biological controls like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites which feed on pests.

• Setting out sticky yellow traps to snare adult fungus gnats and whiteflies.

• Removing heavily infested leaves or whole plants to control spread. Isolate infected plants.

• Spraying a strong stream of water to knock off aphids and mites.

• Applying diatomaceous earth on soil to kill larvae and eggs. Avoid leaving powder on foliage.

• Drenching soil with a 3:1 water/hydrogen peroxide solution to eliminate larvae.

When to Call in the Pros

For severe infestations, you may need professional-strength insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil applied by a licensed pest control operator. Completely removing badly infected plants prevents the spread of pests to healthy ones.

With close inspection and using IPM (integrated pest management) methods at the first sign of bugs, you can keep your baby’s tears pest-free and flourishing. Act fast at the first bugs sighting, and your plant will continue gracing your home with its delicate beauty.