Have chrysanthemums won over your heart, too? These old-fashioned flowers suit every garden style, from cottage and vintage to classy and elegant. Mums have it all!
Ever since I saw mums, I knew that these plants were going to become my favorites! Every fall, they bring colors, replacing gray days in my garden with more vibrant hues.
They thrived perfectly for years until last season, when some unwelcome guests paid my chrysanthemums a visit!
There were a few pests that I spotted on their leaves, but I thought it wasn’t a big deal. Until the next day, when my mums started to look sick. Little did I know that these pests were actually very dangerous and caused a lot of stress to these poor flowers! But I didn’t stop there.
I spent weeks researching which types of pests were feeding on my mums. After a short time, I discovered some super easy tricks on how to get rid of them, and they worked! I successfully recovered my adorable flowers and drove away every pest.
Now I have prepared a list of common pests that might threaten your mums. So, it’s time to take matters into your own hands and protect the mums in your garden this fall!
#1 Aphids May Cause Big-Time Stress To Your Mums From Only One Visit
Do you wonder what those brownish-black insects on your mums are? Well, they are probably aphids!
They love to feed on the sap of your chrysanthemums, causing a lot of stress to your plants. Curled leaves and yellowing are signs that your mums are affected by aphids!
What’s the best way to get rid of them? First things first, I must tell you that I never use any harsh chemicals to drive them away. Natural methods are always my top choice, no matter what type of pests I’m dealing with!
The first option is to use strong water pressure and start spraying your mums. But this trick will only work if you spot them early.
The next method, and perhaps the most effective one, is neem oil! All you need to do is spray the affected leaves of your mums and the pests will be gone in a few days.
You can also try other essential oils like peppermint, clove, rosemary, or thyme. Harvest a few leaves, mix them with water, and let the herbs do their fantastic job!
#2 Spider Mites Are Way More Dangerous Than You Might Think
Spider mites feed on the undersides of mum leaves, removing the plant sap! They can also lay eggs behind, which is very dangerous to these plants. You won’t be able to see them, but their webs give them away!
The best way to remove them is by mixing liquid soap and water. Pepper spray has also turned out to be a great option for repelling spider mites!
#3 Catch Nematodes Before It’s Too Late For Mum’s Blooms
Nematodes might be the most challenging pests to deal with! Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see them, but luckily there are signs you’ll be able to notice if nematodes try to ruin your mums. When you spot yellow or brown leaf spots, it’s time to take action!
If you want to get rid of them, you’ll need to avoid overhead watering your mums. Also, start mulching to prevent water from splashing on the stems, making it harder for nematodes to reach the mums!
#4 Caterpillars’ Favorite Late-Night Snacks Are Your Chrysanthemum Leaves
Caterpillars are most active at night. That’s when they start creeping around your mums and feeding on their stems, leaves, and buds, leaving small holes behind!
The only good thing about these pests is that they are easy to spot. You can hand-pick them off in the morning. After that, you’ll need to use neem oil, garlic, or pepper spray to sprinkle on your mums to prevent them coming back!
#5 Even Your Indoor Mums Aren’t Safe From Annoying Whiteflies
If you were thinking that your indoor mums are safe, I must disappoint you because they are not! Whiteflies can find their way in through windows, feed on sap, and cause problems. That’s when chrysanthemums’ leaves start turning yellow and even drop!
If you want to get rid of them easily, use dish soap and water. Vinegar is also a good solution for repelling these pests!
With these super easy tricks, you’ll be able to drive away every single pest from this list! Now your mums have the opportunity to thrive in your garden throughout the season without being threatened by these dangerous pests.
If you had asked me last year whether my chrysanthemums would survive a pest apocalypse, I would probably have said no. But after I found these amazing natural methods, I got rid of them once and for all! You just need to be patient, and everything will pay off at the end of the day.
Now all you’ll need to do is monitor your mums, and if you spot any signs that pests might be there, use these tricks! Start mixing the ingredients I shared with you, and your chrysanthemums will be safe and sound for many years.
Good luck!