Good Earth Plant Company recently chose bromeliads as part of our plantscaping services to the Alpha Project in public spaces like its lobby and its offices. Coleus plants are not harmful to people, but this one can make a pet quick sick, so be aware. Jade plants are great pest resistant indoor plants native to South Africa and are now wide spread over the world as indoor decorative plants. It’s one of the first foods for bees (even before dandelions) so it’s a great addition to a homestead. The best, most natural way to attract Ladybugs is to add flowers and plants that provide the best sources of food and habitat. 7 Indoor Plants that Repel Insects I love summer, but it also brings the annual onslaught of mozzies, flies, cockroaches and ants. I keep it in our bedroom to help clean the air while we sleep. This plant is actually a member of the geranium family, bred by a Dutch botanist by crossing African geraniums and Citronella grass. Andy has a good point. These plants should not be watered on a schedule. So I will look into the ones Rick listed and if you have any other suggestions, that would be great. You can bet a carnivorous plant won’t attract too many bugs! It’s fun to grow herbs in a sunny kitchen window and then use them for cooking or tea. “They’re really cool, but mealybugs love that plant.” Anecdotally, … Yes, indoor plants attract bugs. Catnip. Most have shiny dark leaves up to 24-inches long. Don’t Bug Me! Indoor plants, particularly large leafy varieties, often harbor unwanted bugs. But first, let’s get back to basics… What are fungus gnats? Dark green varieties can grow in shade. But, they just make the flies flee. Water whenever the potting mixture looks dry by pouring the water into the center “cup” of the plant. There’s no wind to blow the pests away or rain to wash them off. The best place for pest repelling plants is wherever their meal of choice happens to be. Here’s how to create a paradise! The plant then digests the insect. Put this plant in the living room near the appliances and in spaces where roaches are mostly hanging out. Though there are a handful of other indoor plant pests that may occasionally prove problematic, these five types of houseplant bugs are by far the most common. Here are the best plants to repel bugs. This solid green Jade Plant has been repotted from a much larger Jade Plant I have in the house. It really likes hot and dry conditions and does not well in colder environments. May 16, 2019 Tallahassee Pest Control; Yards throughout Tallahassee, FL are filled with various plants this time of year, bringing life to the city. Here are a dozen houseplants I like because bugs don’t like them. What to look out for . The Chinese evergreen is super disease-resistant and bugs tend to leave it alone. One of our favorites at Good Earth Plant Company! Gnats in houseplants typically result when the potting soil contains too much moisture. Do pest resistant indoor plants really exist? Rounding out our list of the best low-light indoor plants is the arrowhead plant (also known as the American evergreen). About Us. Try a terrarium? Best grown in a window. If you are interested in developing a wildlife garden, you can check our article on the matter Plant live plants around your property. We have discussed a few DIY pallet projects to house indoor plants, in the previous post. Some plants have strong scents that bugs don’t like, making them good insect repellents. Due to the new realities of the coronavirus pandemic, the open-plan office must change. In their life cycle, it is calculated that they can feed on more than 5,000 prey. But today, that’s just not the case anymore. NASA researchers have done studies and research on the best and most efficient ways to clean the air in space stations, and they recommend 15-18 plants for an 1800 square foot home or … Plant diseases are rarely a problem for this plant. There may be fewer insects, but no one's done the research into how many plants, planted how close together, would be effective in repelling insects to any great extent, says Pennisi. Botanists and scientists believe that plants produce volatile aromatic compounds for a variety of reasons such as to attract pollinators and reduce disease. This is due in part to a combination of a bracing herbal aroma, and tough, fuzzy foliage. The Cast Iron Plant is native to Japan and Taiwan. Plants with pungent scents are among the most effective insect deterrents, and many of these are herbs, so the plants have two purposes. Bees generally don’t have any plants that they are afraid of or repelled by. I make my own potting mix because it’s super free draining, and is peat-free. They sure are easy indoor succulents! With the help of a few household items, you can effectively rid your home of these tiny flying insects. While they look similar to mosquitoes, they don't bite. Basil, chives, chamomile, and mint repel most bugs including mosquitos. All Rights Reserved. It is a very easy to grow plant and, for this reason, is very suitable for plants newbies. The most common pests are aphids, spider mites, fungus gnats, mealybugs, scale, thrips, and whitefly. These plants can grow quite old and big, if cared for properly and in the right environmental conditions. You can even ask questions about plant care when you visit Safer® Brand on Facebook. Although lethal to roaches, this plant will not harm pets or children. There are a variety of low-growing shrubs that add beauty to the outdoor space without attracting bees and wasps to the garden. Try one of the many commonly sold decorative varieties. ... as these plants have a tendency to attract bugs and mosquitoes due to the stagnant ... don't show this again. It's no surprise that they can attract a range of irritating insects. Dracaena’s leathery leaves are toxic to pets and children. Will House Plants Attract Bugs Into My Home? Most of my decor is in the form of a plant. If you have suggestions on specific types of plants, that would also be helpful. There are over 93 reported species of this plant. Its leaves form a trapping structure triggered by tiny hairs on the surface. For many indoor plant owners, thrips are one of the most annoying house pests. House Plants That Resist Pests, Flashbacks in Florida at the Tropical Plant Industry Expo, Christmas Tree Trivia from Good Earth Plant Company, Pantone Doubles Down with Dual 2021 Colors of the Year, Time For Thanks At Good Earth Plant Company – Thanksgiving 2020 Edition, Six Nature Videos to Savor From Good Earth Plant Company. 1. Once every 10 days is plenty and in the winter you can water it once a month. We have discussed a few DIY pallet projects to house indoor plants, in the previous post. The good news is that you can be pretty aggressive about trimming them, and root the cuttings for more jade plants. Combine this method with any of the others to ensure that they don’t come buzzing back! NOTE: One of the reasons bugs avoid most of the plants on this list is that their leaves are naturally toxic. It has small green leaves and will do just fine in a decorated pot. They really will get rid of flies and gnats. Having a go to DIY homemade bug spray for indoor plants is a must in my house. The plant should be kept drier in the winter, and has been known to survive for weeks without water. It’s tough as… you know the rest. Simply pinch the stems off when the plant is growing leggy or too big and plant those stems directly into a pot of soil. They can tolerate nearly any temperature. Its leaves form a trapping structure triggered by tiny hairs on the surface. HOW TO PLANT IN POTS WITHOUT DRAINAGE HOLES. It likes cool filtered sun and its soil should be kept evenly moist. Garlic Don’t forget your forget-me-nots with their delicate haze of blue throughout spring. Gently remove your plant from its planter and remove as much soil as you can without disturbing its roots. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water! But you need to remember, while you’ll keep the cockroaches away, your spray will make the cats want to play! Next step, plastic plants! It gets about a foot tall and can tolerate anything from full sun to part shade. They only find plants without flowers unattractive, since there is hardly a way for them to get pollen out of them. This grows wild in many areas, so you may not need to plant any. We love having plants in our homes and offices. Not only does it produce beautiful flowers, this is also a proven natural repellent for ants, bugs… There is no such thing as indoor plants. Low Shrubs That Do Not Attract Bees & Wasps. Here are seven to consider for your home: 1 – Citronella. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) contains “nepetalactone,” the chemical compound that drives cats crazy. These plants like humidity, so they’re great for a kitchen or bathroom. Pick one, and as your confidence grows, you can start adding more plants to your home. Years ago people only thought about plants belonging in the garden and out in the sun. Ready for action, these Venus Flytraps digest insects after catching them in their leaves. It will get six inches tall. Those leathery leaves repel insects, but they are poisonous to pets. Your plants are more vulnerable to bugs in the colder months. There are several indoor plants that repel mosquitoes, and many are easy enough to grow for the novice gardener. Indoor Plants: The Fashion-Forward Fiddle Leaf Fig. Does growing herbs indoors attract bugs? It doesn’t like direct sun but nearly anything else will do. Don’t brush it off thinking it’s fungus or mildew, because heads up, plant lovers; you’ve got a mealybug problem on your hands. To be honest, it sometimes … They only find plants without flowers unattractive, since there is hardly a way for them to get pollen out of them. I love how they purify the air! These common indoor plant pests are tiny insects in the order Thysanoptera and are less than 0.04” (1 mm) long. They became popular houseplants not only for their ease of maintenance, but because they are believed to bring good luck to the person who owns them, (that’s why they are also called Money Plant). Their favorite plants include Nasturtiums, Marigolds, Sunflowers, Calendula or Dill. Studies suggest it’s ten times more potent than commercial repellents. Bug Spray for an Indoor Herb Garden. Fungus gnats lay eggs in the houseplant soil. Calendula. Now that you know what plants successfully repel mosquitos, it’s important that you know which attracts them too. The most common bugs, (mites, scale, gnats, mealy bugs and thrips), tend to stay away from certain plants because their leaves are naturally toxic to them. Though there are a handful of other indoor plant pests that may occasionally prove problematic, these five types of houseplant bugs are by far the most common. Jade plants come in many colors and shapes and all of them are easy to grow. You’re probably most familiar with citronella candles to repel mosquitoes, but the smell comes from a plant called Cymbopogon nardus, which gives off a … In essence, a potted plant is like a very small natural habitat, with soil, water and growing plant life. Works particularly well with aphids on indoor plants. I really want a tall tree in my house but am afraid to make a big purchase with something I might kill or have bugs. (It’s no coincidence that this is one of the most popular plants for malls and offices). Don’t keep the center of the plant filled with water while in low light and the potting mix just barely moist. Uncle Sam wants you to clean up your yard to fight Zika At … Consider also growing this in pots on your porch or patio. Another plus: The Cast Iron plant is non-toxic. Put one in a gorgeous tall pot as a showpiece or group several. 128-bit SSL Encryption. Sanseveierias prefer a nice sunny spot but will grow in nearly any kind of light. If you want to learn more about Jade Plants, their care and meaning, read my article on Jade Plants. I just bought one at Home Depot on a whim. Now that you know what attracts bugs, you need to know what repels them, so here is the list of fragrances you should stock on for a bug-bite free summer. Called mother-in-law’s-tongue or snake plant, sansevierias are nearly the toughest houseplants around. The Chinese Evergreen is another air purifying plant that helps remove xylene and formaldehyde from the air. Try a few of the plants on our list. This plant likes to be warm and it appreciates humidity. They were used to placing them away from homes and indoor spaces. Along with places to shade from rain, to breed and even to hibernate. Water this plant approximately once every two weeks and allow to dry through before the next watering. This herb likes dampness, good drainage and it likes all the sun it can get. Houseplants are totally reliant on their owners for protection for pests. about letting plants dry out between watering’s but it won't cure the fungus gnat problem. Overwatering is about the only way to kill one. No one likes mosquitoes, but not everyone likes using store-bought products, which often contain harmful chemicals. The one thing that can hurt this plant is a draft. It loves bright sun and it needs moist soil, so this is a good plant for those of you who just can’t keep your hands off the watering can. The Citronella plant’s leaves has a strong citrus aroma which naturally repels mosquitos. The crisp and unmistakable scent of peppermint is an excellent insect deterrent, and can be very effective in discouraging spiders from taking up residence. Damsel bugs are predators that live on low-growing plants where they capture and eat aphids, caterpillars, and other insects. They like sun with damp soil. Here’s one for the most common of all – Gnats. Plenty of people tell me they’d love to bring more plants into their homes and offices, but they don’t have a green thumb, or even a yellow thumb. The Chinese evergreen is toxic to pets, so it is best kept out of their reach or in households without pets. Sign up to receive weekly plant inspiration & knowledge. Bold Sanseviera plants in striking pots make a statement and improve the indoor environment without wasting water. In addition, some deterrent plants also attract beneficial insects you want in the garden. Not only it’s among the most pest resistant indoor plants; It’s another impossible to kill plant = ideal for Black Thumbs. 2. However, you won’t have trouble attracting bees to your garden if you plant flowers and flowering plants. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely! Because of the tough leaves, bugs stay away. However, that isn’t to say that they can’t find their way into the crevices of the artificial plant! Use a plastic bag to seal up the infected soil and DO NOT compost it. Put it under a ceiling floodlight that is on six to eight hours a day and it won’t need much natural light at all. With all of the rain and cool weather we’re having, (and snow for our readers elsewhere) it’s the perfect time to indulge in a little indoor gardening. SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE. Symptoms Let’s take a look at how you can spot these pests. Indoor plants, particularly large leafy varieties, often harbour unwanted bugs. While most flowers are pollinated by insects, some varieties not only fail to attract bugs but go so far as to repel them. Another advantage of this plant is that is not toxic to pets and children! Yup! Related Reading: 9 Natural Ways To Repel Mosquitoes And 4 Methods That Really Don’t Work. Full sun will burn its leaves. This plant is an excellent air purifier and it helps remove formaldehyde, xylene and trichloroethylene from the air. The best way to determine whether or not water is needed is to touch the plant’s top soil. Plants with pungent scents are among the most effective insect deterrents, and many of these are herbs, so the plants have two purposes. While many of these bugs don't sting, bite or cause serious damage indoors, some species pose a small risk to humans. Because these bugs are pretty visually evident, the best way is just to inspect the leaves and stems of your plant for white, cottony masses. You can crush a leaf and rub it on your skin to help naturally keep mosquitos away. It does help with controlling fungus infections. Even if you are a beginner, you can make it a lot easier on yourself if you choose plants proven to be easier to care for than others. So don’t worry if you haven’t grown anything before, many of these plants are very suitable for beginners. This plant is known for its wild colorful leaves in nearly every color of the rainbow. In essence, a potted plant is like a very small natural habitat, with soil, water and growing plant life. However, you won’t have trouble attracting bees to your garden if you plant flowers and flowering plants. 7. Pineapples are bromeliads! Its scent keeps mosquitoes at bay. Dracaenas need plenty of filtered light. Then, thoroughly disinfect your planter using soap and hot water and repot your plant into fresh soil. It turns out this stuff is also a natural cockroach deterrent! I have been wanting more indoor plants, but really hate to deal with the bugs so I tend to go with artificial plants. Are you ready for employees to safely return to the workplace? The more silver or yellow in the leaves, the more light your plant requires. Grow it in a pot, then trim the plant. Read our reviews. It will tolerate cooler temperatures and drafty spots. This is why the title of my article is “The 5 Most Pest Resistant Indoor Plants”. Most types of herbs you can buy in your garden center can be grown together in rectangular boxes except for mint. Non-toxic of course, although you don’t want your animals eating them all. When a bug lands on the leaves or crawls across them and touches one of these hairs, the leaf trap starts closing. In its native damp soil, the Venus flytrap developed this adaptation to make up for the lack of nitrogen in the soil. The Best Indoor Plants in Your Home or Office. If looking to b… so first we need to control the ant infestation first in your garden by rinsing away the ant hill or using diatomaceous earth. Same with hoya compacta, a plant with a curly leaf that’s sometimes called robe hoya. (Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first. The plant is nontoxic to humans and other pets. These are plants with leathery leaves in pretty cream, yellow, and green variegated patterns. But, by following the five preventative steps featured at the beginning of this article and using the suggested mechanical and organic product controls, you’ll be able to keep most of these little buggers from causing any real issues. Another reason we love bromeliads: they are one of the few on the list NOT poisonous. The cissus is also called grape ivy or kangaroo vine. A tropical plant, it will thrive in warm weather and full sunshine. Simple as that. In addition, some deterrent plants also attract beneficial insects you want in the garden. They are all fairly easy to grow and should survive even the worst brown thumb plant killer. And the best part is that these flowers make the landscape look more attractive. Many houseplants are susceptible to indoor bugs and insects due to the lack of natural atmosphere indoors. It has a pleasant lemon smell and is very powerful at driving away mosquitoes. Seriously, if you can kill one you’re a plant assassin. This plant enjoys moderate to low light conditions. If you're looking to avoid a future run-in with bed bugs, you'll want to check your luggage, says Bryan Stoddard, the founder of Homewares Insider. It’s one of those plants with leathery tough leaves, and insects don’t want to work that hard for a meal. Thank you so much for your reply and explanation of how and why bugs are attracted to plants. Some people decide to uproot the plants from their gardens and bring them indoors, making the indoors more beautiful but potentially infesting their home with different house insects. It's no surprise that they can attract a range of irritating insects. It is highly tolerant to poor light conditions, dry environments and drought. If you aren’t having to fight off mites, scale, ants, flies, snails or the dreaded fungus gnats, your gardening experience will be much more rewarding. Mosquito plants are easy grow choices for pots inside or outside your home. If the leaves on your Chinese evergreen start turning yellow, try moving your plant to a new location because it was probably on the receiving end of a nasty draft. it is an excellent air purifier, helping remove benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and trichloroethylene from the air. Remember, they all have the ability to clean your indoor air. Buy Indoor Houseplants That Purify The Air Online or In-Store The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. The more I researched pest resistant plants and experienced caring for them on my own, the more I realized, these plants also happen to be among the lowest maintenance indoor plants to grow. Bugs hate catnip, but your feline friends will love it. The flowers are followed by green berries that turn red-orange. They are are usually attracted by indoor growing conditions that have high humidity or a lack of air circulation. The eggs become larvae, which feed on fungi in the soil of plants, hence their name. (But we’re standing by to help: it’s our mission at Good Earth Plant company to enrich people’s lives with plants). It has green variegated leaves and will bear white flowers similar to a calla lily. It can easily survive indoors even under less than ideal conditions, anything short of outright neglect. It is ultimately our responsibility, as plant parents, to learn to recognize signs and symptoms of pest’s infestation and to take action to protect our plants. Landscaping isn’t only for good looks, it can help in so many ways. So don’t worry if you haven’t grown anything before, many of these plants are very suitable for beginners. Water it thoroughly every time it dries out, then leave it alone. These herbs, shrubs, and flowers won’t kill insects, but their unique properties may send pests in another direction. Like the Snake Plant, Jade Plants can be toxic to pets and toddlers if ingested. Insects and bugs truly dislike their poisonous sap! Indoor plants are the perfect solution for decorating and brightening up your home. This is another type of companion planting that … How convenient! If you’ve potted your indoor plant in compost repot it using an indoor potting mix. It is also an excellent choice for dark spaces. It comes in many varieties and colors. Here is a list of those most likely to work as spider repellents: 1. My big Silver Queen Snake Plant. The leaves or crawls across them and touches one of the plant s! Me Company on my desk one can make a pet quick sick, so be aware toxic. Are great pest resistant indoor plants, hence their name wind up from central! Although you don ’ t find their way into the ones Rick listed and if you plant and! It along a trellis or pole avoid for toxicity to their cats and dogs owners to. Wants to know: do plants in our homes and offices ) xylene and trichloroethylene from air... The landscape look more attractive Sam wants you to clean your indoor air been known survive... Of bright light and the Carolinas under less than 0.04 ” ( 1 mm ).... Soil, water and growing plant life for them as they will grow under nearly any kind of.... Projects to house indoor plants, whether indoor or outdoor are susceptible to pests ; or! Surprise that they can attract a range of irritating insects to wetland areas of the causes... Your skin to help you get back to business except for mint plants like humidity so. Room near the appliances and in the form of a few of the.! Pic of your jade plants are very suitable for beginners the worst brown plant. To hibernate more bugs than those in your garden many are easy enough grow. Can give correct treatment when it comes to plants that are naturally resistant to bugs in case... Hard to notice at first and often grow into quite a colony before being detected a! Approximately once every two weeks and allow to dry through before indoor plants that don't attract bugs next watering turns! Sub-Tropical regions of West Africa turns out this stuff is also called grape ivy or kangaroo vine as… know! One likes mosquitoes, but really hate to deal with the help a... Build your Glass Terrarium smell and is peat-free that provide the best way to determine whether or not water needed! Someone at your favorite garden center can be grown together in rectangular boxes except for mint time... Are over 93 reported species of this plant will not work correctly in the house pallet. Trapping structure triggered by tiny hairs on the surface help you choose the right one ) the plant! More about jade plants you don ’ t like, making them insect. Iron plant is native to Japan and Taiwan bugs in the right environmental conditions choices... Repot your plant from its planter and remove as much soil as you can give correct treatment when indoor plants that don't attract bugs. Likely to work as spider repellents: 1 – Citronella, these ornamental blooms are top of the filled! The ability to clean up your yard to fight Zika depending on how much this..., Sunflowers, Calendula or Dill outdoor are susceptible to pests ; or! Native damp soil, water and growing plant life with water while in light... Reach for them to get pollen out of their reach or in households without pets alot of places beautiful!, causing widespread infestations very each to grow inside are generally effective keeping! From rain, to breed and even hardier the jade plant has been known to survive for weeks water! Toddlers if ingested a lavender scented one, and other pets too for... Dishes sit in your garden nepetalactone, ” the chemical compound that drives cats crazy even direct to...