Unfortunately there are some pests that are after the oleander. We show you how to recognize and combat the symptoms of a pest infestation.

If the oleander is weakened, it is susceptible to pests

Weakening oleander plants (Nerium oleander) are easy victims of pests. In particular, some species of lice and spider mites like to eat the oleander. However, since they significantly weaken the plants, they must be combated.

Proper care of your oleander is of course the best way to prevent pests. He althy plants are more resistant and are not attacked as quickly as weak ones. A pest infestation often indicates a care error such as the wrong location. Too much nitrogen can also be the cause, as it makes the tissue softer and more vulnerable.

Recognize and combat spider mite infestation on oleanders

If the humidity is low, spider mites (Tetranychidae) can become a problem. The small eight-legged animals are difficult to see with the naked eye and are mainly found on the underside of the leaf near the leaf veins. The affected leaves are initially delicately mottled before turning silvery, then grey-brown and finally falling off. Another distinguishing feature is webs that can be found in leaf axils and on leaf edges. If you suspect an infestation with spider mites, take a handkerchief and wipe the underside of the leaf. You can then take a close look at the residue on the handkerchief. If your suspicion is confirmed, you should definitely do something against the mites.

Control of spider mite infestation in oleander:

  • Plants that overwinter in a dry place that is not cool enough should be sprayed with water from time to time as a preventive measure
  • If infested, give the whole plant a lukewarm shower and place in a plastic bag or translucent garbage bag for three to four days; the high humidity kills the spider mites
  • Pesticides based on rapeseed oil suffocate spider mites; especially the undersides of the leaves should be treated

Detecting and controlling oleander aphids

Aphids(Aphidoidea) are much easier to recognize than spider mites due to their size of a few millimeters. On the oleander they only sit on fresh shoots and inflorescences, where they prick the plant to get their sweet juice. Their color spectrum lies in the range between green, black or yellow. The first thing you usually notice is the white shells that form when aphids molt and cling to the plant.

Between the living aphids there are everywhere the white shells of their moult

As a result of the aphids, the plant is of course weakened. Leaf deformation and soot mold also occur. The latter is black deposits on the leaves. These are the excrements of the aphids, on which black fungi colonize, so-called sooty mold fungi (Capnodiales).

Procedure to control aphids on oleanders:

  • Rinse the whole plant with a strong jet of water. This is repeated a few days later.
  • Encourage aphid predators such as ladybugs and lacewings. Both are preferred in natural gardens, as they find the best habitat there. Be careful not to damage them when controlling the aphids.
  • If all else fails, add a tablespoon of soft soap and a small sip of spirit to one liter of water and spray the plant thoroughly with it. Ladybugs should be gently stripped beforehand.

Recognize and combat scale insects on oleanders

Scales (Coccoidea) are very unpleasant creatures and, like aphids, they weaken the plant by draining nutrients and a poisonous secretion, which they release into the plant. Infestation with scale insects can be recognized by their sticky secretion and the sooty dew that develops on it, as well as by deformed leaves. The scale insects themselves sit mainly on the underside of the leaf and are usually brownish.

Procedure to control scale insects on oleanders:

  • Spray the whole plant properly with a mixture of soft soap and water and leave to take effect
  • Then rinse the plant thoroughly with a hard jet of water
  • Scales are stubborn and can be roughly removed with a cloth and a mixture of soft soap and water
  • Predators of scale insects are ladybirds and lacewings; some species of parasitic wasps even parasitize scale insects
  • Neem oil is an effective pesticide thatcan be applied directly to the lice; however, try to put as little as possible directly on the plant
Scales often sit close together and multiply quickly - but you shouldn't let it get that far in the first place

Detecting and controlling mealybugs and mealybugs on oleanders

Mealybugs and mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) are the same thing. They belong to the scale insects, but their hairiness clearly distinguishes them from other scale insect species. They are usually white or brownish and are protected by a waxy covering. This also makes it difficult to combat. Nevertheless, one is absolutely necessary, since mealybugs, like scale insects and aphids, suck the plant sap and release a poison into the plant. Mealybugs also produce a sweet secretion that leads to sooty mold. The same procedure applies to control as for scale insects.

In general, of course, strong and he althy plants are less susceptible to pests. Everything you need to know about proper oleander care can be found here. You can also find out more about the most common oleander diseases here.

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