Sedum Plant Pests
The hardy sedum, or stonecrop flower, requires well-drained soil in order to prevent fungal problems caused by pests in the soil. Sedum is generally a carefree plant that comes back bigger and better each year, but pests can cause a myriad of problems. If you determine that pests are present in your garden, get rid of them before they ruin your sedum plants. Does this Spark an idea?
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Aphids
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Beginning in early spring, aphids will feed on the stems and leaves of your sedum, sucking out all the fluids from the plant. This can drain and kill a sedum plant quickly. Aphids aren't particular and will also destroy many other plants. Insecticides or natural pest control methods may be employed to remove aphids from your tender sedum plants.
Fungus Gnats
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Fungus gnats infest the soil around the roots of sedum plants. The larvae feed on the roots, causing stunted growth. As the larvae hatch and grow, fungus gnats spread plant pathogens and disease between plants. Because they are weak-flying insects, fungus gnats rest on the leaves and stems of plants; this spreads the fungus and pathogens. You can purchase anti-fungal stakes to put in the ground around your plants to fight infestations. Topical insecticides and natural insect repellents will also help.
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Slugs and Snails
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Slugs and snails are active at night and will leave large, ragged holes in leaves and stems, as well as their slime trails. A plate of beer set in the garden area will help control your slug and snail population. They are attracted to the yeast in beer, but when they slide into the plate they drown.
Ants
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Ants of all sizes will flock to your sedum plants in the spring. They may nibble at the edges of tender new leaves, or create nests in the soil around the roots. These pesky pests can be cleared out by using ant repellent granules, or an insecticide spray.
Ladybeetle
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While your first impulse may be to get rid of these beetles as quickly as possible, the ladybeetle is actually a beneficial insect that will hang around your sedum. The ladybeetle is a predatory insect that will attack aphids and other pests, including mites, moths and insect eggs. From late spring through early fall you will find these helpful insects around your sedum; they will not harm your plant and will help prevent damage from aphids.
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References
- Photo Credit sedum image by Sergey Goruppa from Fotolia.com
