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Blackfly aphids on my Angel Wings!!

tui34tui34 Posts: 3,493
in Problem solving
Just discovered yesterday late afternoon - ghastly little beasts smack bang in the centre of the plant.  I tried to squash them, but they're too far into the interior of the plant -  in the end I got some chemical blaster - covered the pot with a plastic bag, and gave it to them!  These plants don't like water so I hope I haven't damaged the plant. 

Has anyone had this problem in this type of succulent?  And most of all - will it survive?
A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @tui34 Aphids have been a real problem this spring. So many plants have been affected. I have removed them from roses, salvias and elder on a daily basis. I think if you are vigilant, squash with your fingers or remove with a dry soft brush, you will find only the white shells remain.
    Senecio Angels Wings doesn't do very well here, as you say water on the leaves turns them green. I have never tried chemicals in a plastic bag, the moisture together with the chemicals in a confined space could be a problem
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,630
    I spray my one hypericum, which is infested every spring, with dilute washing up liquid and mint essential oil once a day - takes 2-3 days and they do come back on this one because the ants farm them, but the bush thrives somehow. I've had them on the clematis too, but they don't come back once the stems harden up a bit. Its no bother to spray as I'm pootling  around. 😊
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    tui34 said:
    Just discovered yesterday late afternoon - ghastly little beasts smack bang in the centre of the plant.  I tried to squash them, but they're too far into the interior of the plant -  in the end I got some chemical blaster - covered the pot with a plastic bag, and gave it to them! 
    I don't think the aphids will do much damage to the plant.
  • tui34tui34 Posts: 3,493
    Thank you so much for your comments of help.  That's strange you should say that @Fire because I took the plastic bag off this arvo and the plant doesn't seem to be any worse for wear i.e.  not curling up - but @GardenerSuze the blackfly is right down the centre of the plant and very difficult to squish with fingers or toothbrush.  

    I'll give it a day or so and let you know if anything has dropped off!

    Again thank you for commenting.
    A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @tui34 If as an absolute last resort you have to use chemicals in a garden, always follow advice given on the packaging, it is very important. I am sure your thoughts were in order to stop the chemicals killing anything else you would use a plastic bag. This is not something that the manufacturer would recommend and I would also consider your own health when using chemicals too. Hopefully your Angel's Wings will recover well.

    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @tui34 If as an absolute last resort you have to use chemicals in a garden, always follow advice given on the packaging, it is very important. I am sure your thoughts were in order to stop the chemicals killing anything else you would use a plastic bag. This is not something that the manufacturer would recommend and I would also consider your own health when using chemicals too. Hopefully your Angel's Wings will recover well.

    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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