It’s fashionable to have plants in the house as decoration, but some of them can be a source of insects and other problems. As unbelievable as it may sound, one of the most dangerous is basil.
This plant has gained popularity in living rooms due to its aromatic properties, its use in the Mediterranean diet, and its supposed insect repellent properties.
This has led to basil becoming commonplace in kitchens, balconies and patios, but if not properly cared for, it can kill all the plants in your home. It’s the aphid’s fault.
Which plant should never be kept at home unless you are very careful?
This may seem contradictory to you, as basil is often considered the perfect plant for repelling insects. However, if not properly cared for, it will become a major source of pests.
Aphids are a type of small insects that feed on plant sap. They also attack in groups, reproduce very quickly and can destroy basil and other plants if not stopped in time.
The danger is that basil is one of their favorite choices as it has a very succulent stem and tender leaves.
As if that wasn’t enough, its rapid growth makes it an ideal target for infestation. Thus, it can be the first link in an epidemic that will affect all your pots.
If you have basil growing on your balcony, you may already have a problem, but the real disaster will happen if it grows in the house. For example, many people put it in the kitchen.
The most favorable environment for aphids is one with poor air circulation, as they have no natural enemies and spread uncontrollably.
In addition, it will cause aphids to infest all plants that are nearby.
What should I do if I have basil growing at home and I don’t want aphids on it?
If you have no plant care experience, growing basil indoors may not be the best idea you’ve ever thought of. However, that doesn’t mean that it should be thrown away.
You should increase your surveillance of the plant. Be very careful to keep it in a well-ventilated room, without excessive humidity, and check the leaves frequently.
If you think your basil is in danger, you can rub it with an infusion of garlic or potassium soap, which will help repel aphids.
Warning signs that there are aphids on my plant
Another problem is that less experienced gardeners can’t always recognize aphids on plants. If your basil is showing any of these symptoms, you should take action:
- Twisted or deformed leaves .
- Presence of sticky liquid (honeydew) on leaves and stems.
- Ants around the plant (attracted to honeydew).
- Yellowish or spotted leaves .
- Visible presence of small green, white or black insects on the underside of leaves.
0 Comments