Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 January 1875 — Plant Insects. [ARTICLE]

Plant Insects.

No matter how good the soil, how careful the watering, the plant will not flourish if its vitality is being constantly weakened by insects. These not only live upon the juices of the plant, but some of them cover its leaves with a web, which, though almost invisible, closes the pores through which the plant breathes. Water, soap and tobacco are the three chief remedies, and they are readily applied in the green house, but their use is more difficult upon houseplants. A bath-tub, or a large sink, will allow a plant to be laid on its side and its foliage thoroughly drenched on both surfaces with slightly warm water from a watering pot or syringe. Ivies, camellias and other smooth-leaved plants can have each leaf sponged with soap and water, and then with pure water, and if the bark appears unhealthy use strong soap and water with a brush— an old tooth-brush will answer. Tobacco infusion is sometimes used,—the plant is dipped in it, and a little while after rinsed in water. In greenhouses the House is regularly smoked; at night a pan of coals is covered with damp tohacco stems, and the house filled with a dense smoke, and kept closed until morning. This should be done regularly, at least once a week, whether insects are seen or not. For house-plants a smokingbox can be easily contrived. A drygoods box, large enough to allow a smoke to be made and not heat the plants too much, will answer. Scale of all kinds can be picked off, and this is is the best way to treat the mealy bug when there are but few plants. Those who love plants will find little difficulty in keeping them clear of insects—those who do not had better not keep them.— American, Agriculturist.