From our rooted perspective, the world is a constant exchange of energy and resources. While we draw sustenance from the sun and soil, other organisms sometimes see us as their sustenance. When this balance is disrupted, we suffer. Here is our account of the common creatures that disrupt our peace and how to restore harmony.
We first sense their presence as a slight pinprick, followed by a slow draining of our vital fluids. Colonies of soft-bodied aphids, often green or black, cluster on our tender new stems and the undersides of our leaves. Their feeding weakens us, causing our magnificent leaves to curl, yellow, and become sticky with their excreted "honeydew." This honeydew, in turn, invites sooty mold to grow, further blocking our sunlight absorption. To help us, a strong jet of water can dislodge these pests. For persistent colonies, insecticidal soaps or neem oil applied directly to the affected areas are effective and gentle on our systems.
These pests are so tiny you might miss them until the damage is severe. They are not insects but arachnids, and they thrive in hot, dry conditions. They pierce our individual leaf cells, leaving behind a tell-tale stippling of yellow dots. A fine, silken webbing is often spun on the undersides of leaves when the infestation is advanced. We become desperately dehydrated and drained. Increasing humidity around us can deter them. Regularly rinsing our leaves, especially underneath, disrupts their habitat. Miticides or horticultural oils are necessary to suffocate these pervasive creatures when an infestation is well-established.
Perhaps the most insidious of our adversaries, they attack where it is hardest to see: at our roots. While you admire our blooms above the soil, these white, cottony pests are below, sucking the life from our rhizomes and root systems. Our distress signals are vague but serious: a general decline, stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting that does not improve with watering. Diagnosis requires gently lifting us from the soil to inspect our roots. Treatment involves carefully washing away all soil, removing any badly infested roots, and thoroughly cleaning our rhizome before repotting us in fresh, sterile potting mix.
Thrips are slender, tiny insects that rasp the surface of our leaves and flower buds to feed. The damage appears as silvery, streaked scars and distorted, stunted new growth. Our beautiful flowers may emerge streaked, spotted, or fail to open properly. Their feeding also opens pathways for viral diseases. Blue sticky traps can help monitor and catch adults. Consistent application of insecticidal soaps or spinosad can control their population. Removing and destroying heavily infested flower buds and leaves helps eliminate their breeding sites.
The best defense is a strong offense. By providing us with our ideal growing conditions, you help us maintain the natural vigor to withstand minor pest attacks. Ensure we have consistently moist but well-drained soil, bright but indirect light, and protection from extreme heat. Regularly inspect our leaves, both top and underside, for early signs of trouble. Isolate any new plants before introducing them to our space, as they often carry hidden pests. A healthy Calla Lily is a less appealing target and is better equipped to recover from any stress, including that caused by these small invaders.
