Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that attracts bees and other beneficial insects to your garden. However, if you have noticed that your lavender plants have become damaged or are not growing as well as they should, you may be wondering what is eating your plants. In this article, we will discuss some of the common pests and diseases that can affect lavender plants and what you can do to prevent or control them.
Pests that can eat lavender plants
Lavender leafhopper
The lavender leafhopper is a small, green insect that feeds on the sap of lavender leaves. Its feeding causes little, brown spots on the leaves, and can cause the plant to wilt and die. To control the lavender leafhopper, you can use an insecticidal soap or oil spray.
Lavender spider mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the underside of lavender leaves, causing yellowing and discoloration. They can be difficult to control, but you can try using an insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a strong stream of water to knock them off the plant.
Lavender moth larvae
The lavender moth lays its eggs on lavender plants, and when the larvae hatch, they feed on the leaves and flowers. The damage caused by the larvae is unsightly and can weaken the plant. To control lavender moth larvae, you can use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or other natural insecticides.
Diseases that can affect lavender plants
Fungal diseases
Lavender plants are susceptible to a number of fungal diseases, including root rot, powdery mildew, and gray mold. These diseases can cause the plant to wilt, turn yellow, or develop spots. To prevent fungal diseases, avoid overwatering your lavender plants, and make sure they have good drainage.
Lavender plants can also be infected by viral diseases, which can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and other symptoms. Unfortunately, there are no cures for viral diseases, so the best way to prevent them is to avoid using infected planting material, and to practice good sanitation in your garden.
Preventing pests and diseases on lavender plants
The best way to prevent pests and diseases from damaging your lavender plants is to keep them healthy and strong. This means providing them with the right growing conditions, such as well-draining soil and plenty of sunshine, and avoiding over-fertilizing or overwatering them.
When it comes to controlling pests and diseases, there are a number of organic options you can try, such as:
– Keeping your garden clean and free of debris, which can harbor pests and diseases.
– Handpicking insects and larvae off the plant.
– Using natural insecticides or fungicides, such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or BT.
– Attracting beneficial insects to your garden, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pests.
In conclusion, there are a number of pests and diseases that can affect lavender plants, but by providing them with the right growing conditions and practicing good garden hygiene, you can help prevent these problems. If you do notice pests or diseases on your lavender plants, there are a number of organic control options you can try, to keep your plants healthy and strong.
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Last update 2023-06-07. Price and product availability may change.