Few things are more disheartening than spotting tiny bugs crawling over your favourite houseplant. Whether it’s fungus gnats in the soil or spider mites on the leaves, pests can take over fast if left unchecked.
At Plant Paradise by Gemma in Congleton, we know how upsetting it can be, but don’t worry, there are plenty of natural ways to deal with houseplant pests without turning to harsh chemicals. We’re always here with personal help tips, tailored advice, and safe, plant-friendly solutions.
Here’s a helpful guide to the most common houseplant pests in the UK, and how to get rid of them naturally.
🪰 1. Fungus Gnats
What they look like: Small black flies that hover around the surface of your plant’s soil.
The problem: Their larvae live in the soil and can damage roots, especially in young or delicate plants.
Natural fix:
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Let the top few inches of soil dry out between waterings, gnats thrive in damp conditions.
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Sprinkle cinnamon on the soil as a natural antifungal.
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Use yellow sticky traps to catch the adult gnats.
💡 Gemma’s tip: Adding a layer of grit or decorative gravel on top of your compost can stop gnats from laying eggs.
🕷️ 2. Spider Mites
What they look like: Tiny red or white dots, often with silky webs between leaves and stems.
The problem: They suck the sap from leaves, causing speckling, yellowing, and eventual leaf drop.
Natural fix:
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Rinse the plant thoroughly in the shower or outside with lukewarm water.
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Spray with a homemade mix of water, a dash of eco-friendly washing-up liquid, and a few drops of neem oil.
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Keep humidity levels up, spider mites dislike moisture.
🐜 3. Mealybugs
What they look like: Fluffy white clusters that resemble cotton wool, usually on the undersides of leaves or at stem joints.
The problem: They suck sap and leave behind sticky honeydew that can lead to sooty mould.
Natural fix:
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Dab affected areas with a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol.
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Repeat every few days and follow up with a natural insecticidal spray.
🧼 Gemma’s advice: Isolate any infested plants to prevent the pests from spreading.
🦟 4. Aphids
What they look like: Tiny green, black, or brown bugs clustered on new growth or flower buds.
The problem: Aphids weaken the plant by feeding on sap and can deform leaves and stems.
Natural fix:
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Spray with a solution of water, a splash of white vinegar, and a drop of mild soap.
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Introduce ladybirds if you’re up for a biological control method indoors or in greenhouses.
🐞 Not sure what’s what? Bring in a photo to Plant Paradise by Gemma for personal help tips, we’ll help you sort it in no time.
🐚 5. Scale Insects
What they look like: Small brown or grey bumps along stems and leaves, these are the insects' protective shells.
The problem: They feed continuously and can severely weaken your plant over time.
Natural fix:
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Gently scrape them off using a soft toothbrush.
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Treat with neem oil or a natural insecticidal soap weekly until they’re gone.
🛒 Visit us in Congleton for trusted, pet-safe pest control products and friendly advice.
🌱 Final Thoughts: Keep Calm and De-Bug Your Plants
Even the healthiest houseplants can occasionally fall prey to pests. The key is to catch the problem early and respond gently, but effectively. If you’re ever unsure, just pop into Plant Paradise by Gemma in Congleton with a photo or a leaf sample, and we’ll give you personal help tips and suggest the best natural treatment.
We're always here to help you keep your plants looking their best, with friendly service, safe solutions, and free local delivery to make life even easier.
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