Large Potted Plants That Do Not Attract Bugs

Numerous potted plants attract few or even repel many insects.

The relationship between people, plants and bugs can be productive, fruitful -- and very irritating. Although, according to South Carolina's Gardening & Recycling Organics Wisely (GROW) website, only 1 percent of insects are harmful to plants, bugs that visit plants can annoy humans with noise, stinging and disease. Plant care is an essential key to insect infestation; healthy plants draw beneficial rather than damaging insects. Plant choice is also critical. Some plants attract far fewer insects than others, and repel insects that damage plants and annoy humans.

Outdoor Plants

Big potted plants are among summer's pleasures, providing a quick way to ornament decks, patios and yard spaces. Unfortunately, many flowering plants require bees for pollination, and that makes them poor choices for those with young children or possible bee allergies. Some flowering plants draw fewer pests than others and grow into medium to large potted plants. Geraniums (Pergolanium) lead the group, coming in a wide variety of colors, leaf textures and shapes. GROW's list of blooming plants that draw few insects include varieties of marigold, dahlia, salvia and painted daisy (Chrysanthemum coccinam).

Potted Plants that Repel Insects

Citronella geranium (Pergolanium citrosa) has a reputation as a reliable mosquito repellent, and do some other citrus-scented plants like lemongrass (Cymbopogom marginatus). Members of the Nepeta family, the best known of which is catnip, are said to repel mosquitoes and are claimed to be more effective than DEET. Several insect-repelling herbs grow well in pots: Pyrethrum daisy (Chrysanthemum cinarifolium), pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), peppermint (Mentha piperata), sage (Salvia officinalis), rosemary (Rasmarinus officinalis), tansy (tanacetum vulgare) and wormwood (Artemesia absinthium). Remember that pyrethrum, pennyroyal, tansy and wormwood are classed as herbs but are not edible.

Outdoor/Indoor Plants

One way to repel insects indoors is to move outdoor potted plants indoors for the winter. Geraniums in particular overwinter well in sunny windows. The essential oil that distinguishes citronella geraniums discourages insects looking for winter homes and those seeking vulnerable houseplants. Bundles of dried herbs, of course, add to the arsenal of weapons against insects, in or out of the house.

Indoor Plants

Some houseplants seem to attract fewer bugs than others, although all plants should be checked periodically for mealy bugs, aphids and spider mites, the most common insects afflicting large numbers of houseplants. The University of Florida recommends a number of houseplants that seem to be insect-resistant or repellent: Aspidistra, Bromeliad, and Dracaena families; wax plant, hoya; Chinese evergreen, allaonema; philodendron; pothos; and members of the Chamaedorea palm family. Succulents and cacti may also resist insect infestation unless grown in humid climates. Except for succulents and cacti, all listed houseplants can become medium- to large-sized with time.

References

• Southwood Nursery: Herbs
• Colorado State Extension: Plants Help Keep Mosquitos Away
• North Carolina State University Extension: Geranium Culture for Home Gardeners; Alice B. Russell; December 1997
• University of Florida Extension, Hillsborough: Fact Sheet - Hassle-free Houseplants; Lynn Barber
• Cheryl's Herbs: Catnip as Mosquito Repellent
• Home Grown: Good Sense Organic Gardening for Texas; Herbs that Repel Bugs; 2003

Resources

• South Carolina GROW: Natural Pest, Weed and Disease Control