Tiny black bugs on my Boston Fern?
Hi everyone! I just discovered all these tiny black bugs on my Boston Fern. It appears there are husks underneath the plant from the bugs moulting process, so must have been infested for a while 😳 Can anyone identify them?
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@QueenSiricote oh lord. It looks like fungus gnats. Personally, I wound rather find a cobra among my potted plants that another fungus gnat. If youre resorting to a trial and error process to dispose of them, like I did, they are maddening. Let me describe them more so you can confirm if you think this is them and I can share with you what finally worked for me—sparing you these expense of remedies that were ineffective.
Fungus gnats are small, dark-colored, delicate-looking insects resembling tiny mosquitoes. They typically measure about 1/8 inch (3 mm) in length and have long legs and slender bodies. Their wings are clear, and they tend to fly in a somewhat erratic pattern.
Fungus gnat larvae do leave behind whitish, translucent husks or skins after molting. As creepy as this description is, it is not to be outdone by your photo lol
As they grow, these larvae shed their exoskeletons several times, leaving behind these tiny, almost transparent casings in the soil. These discarded skins can sometimes be mistaken for grains of white sand or small, whitish pieces in the top layer of the soil where the larvae reside.
When at rest, you might notice their characteristic long legs and antennae.
These pests originate from the soil where they lay eggs. Fungus gnat larvae, the immature stage, thrive in moist, organic-rich soil. They feed on fungi, decaying plant matter, and root hairs. The adults lay eggs in the soil, perpetuating the cycle.
Fungus gnats become houseplant pests due to their larval stage. The larvae can harm plants by feeding on tender root hairs and small roots, potentially leading to root damage and weakened plant health. Their presence is often noticeable by the tiny holes visible in the leaves caused by the feeding of the larvae.
To me, the biggest concern is their role as vector. They can indirectly contribute to certain plant diseases by acting as vectors for soil-borne pathogens, further compromising plant
Understanding the life cycle of fungus gnats is crucial for effective control. Their life cycle involves eggs hatching into larvae, which then pupate before emerging as adults. This cycle can take around 14-21 days, but it can vary based on temperature and environmental conditions.
To eradicate fungus gnats comprehensively, follow these steps:
* Drying Soil: Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. This deters larvae development as they thrive in moist environments.
* Yellow Sticky Traps: Place yellow sticky traps near plants to catch adult gnats. Yellow is attractive to them, aiding in population control of adult’s.
* Gnatrol or Bti: Use products like Gnatrol, which contains bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis - Bti) that targets and eliminates gnat larvae. Apply as directed on the packaging. I have tried everything on the Internet, and nothing was effective, except for gnatrol. Keep in mind that although the lifecycle of a loan female gnat it’s only one or two weeks, she may lay somewhere around 200 eggs before she dies. So when I recommend this product it is because the time it takes to try something less potent can mean you have thousands of more Nats to gnats to deal with. Gnatrol can be a hassle to find because it is only sold in large commercial quantities unless you find it on eBay where vendors repackage it and sell it to consumers in smaller quantities
Implementing these measures concurrently is vital to break the life cycle and reduce gnat populations.
Addressing watering practices is crucial in preventing fungus gnat infestations in the future. Here's how:
* Watering Techniques: Avoid overwatering. Ensure proper drainage in pots and use pots with drainage holes. Water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to discourage gnat larvae.
* Soil Quality: Use well-draining soil mixes to prevent waterlogged conditions that favor fungus gnat development.
* Hygiene: Remove any debris or decaying plant matter from the soil surface as they attract fungus gnats.
By combining these control methods and modifying watering practices, you can effectively manage and prevent future fungus gnat issues in your plants.
I am mindful that your Boston fern, likes its soil consistently moist, unlike many other houseplants, and how this makes them particularly vulnerable to gnats. Consider mitigating the risk here:
Boston ferns prefer consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. They thrive in slightly higher humidity compared to many other plants. However, their preference for moisture can create conditions conducive to fungus gnat infestations, especially if the soil remains consistently wet.
To address fungus gnats while considering the fern's moisture needs:
* Allow Soil to Dry Slightly even for ferns: While Boston ferns prefer moist soil, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings can deter fungus gnat larvae, as they thrive in consistently damp conditions.
* Is your potting mix the issue? Opt for a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging, which is crucial in discouraging fungus gnats. By chance are you using miracle grow? That was the Origen story my gnat saga. Here is a diy recipe that is optimal for the fern and gnat control
* 2 parts Peat Moss
* 1 part Perlite or Vermiculite
* 1 part Coarse Sand or Pine Bark
* 1 part Sphagnum Moss (optional, for added moisture retention)
* Avoid excessive hydration: Water the fern thoroughly but ensure excess water drains away. Empty saucers beneath pots to prevent water accumulation. Often the cause of gnats is a potting mix without sufficient drainage. If you ensure the potting mix has sufficient drainage this sorts itself out.
* Enhance Air Circulation: Improved airflow around the plant and soil surface helps to discourage fungus gnat activity.
* Yellow Sticky Traps: Implement yellow sticky traps placed near the fern to catch adult fungus gnats, helping to control their population.
Balancing the moisture needs of the fern with strategies to avoid overly wet conditions in the soil can help mitigate fungus gnat issues while maintaining an environment suitable for the Boston fern's growth.
Lastly, many sources encourage the use of hydrogen peroxide. Be skeptical as I found it ineffective for larvae but more importantly it will kill the biome the plant relies on to thrive. Hydrogen peroxide is like chemotherapy —the benefits vs harm must be carefully considered.
Hope this helps.
Fungus gnats are small, dark-colored, delicate-looking insects resembling tiny mosquitoes. They typically measure about 1/8 inch (3 mm) in length and have long legs and slender bodies. Their wings are clear, and they tend to fly in a somewhat erratic pattern.
Fungus gnat larvae do leave behind whitish, translucent husks or skins after molting. As creepy as this description is, it is not to be outdone by your photo lol
As they grow, these larvae shed their exoskeletons several times, leaving behind these tiny, almost transparent casings in the soil. These discarded skins can sometimes be mistaken for grains of white sand or small, whitish pieces in the top layer of the soil where the larvae reside.
When at rest, you might notice their characteristic long legs and antennae.
These pests originate from the soil where they lay eggs. Fungus gnat larvae, the immature stage, thrive in moist, organic-rich soil. They feed on fungi, decaying plant matter, and root hairs. The adults lay eggs in the soil, perpetuating the cycle.
Fungus gnats become houseplant pests due to their larval stage. The larvae can harm plants by feeding on tender root hairs and small roots, potentially leading to root damage and weakened plant health. Their presence is often noticeable by the tiny holes visible in the leaves caused by the feeding of the larvae.
To me, the biggest concern is their role as vector. They can indirectly contribute to certain plant diseases by acting as vectors for soil-borne pathogens, further compromising plant
Understanding the life cycle of fungus gnats is crucial for effective control. Their life cycle involves eggs hatching into larvae, which then pupate before emerging as adults. This cycle can take around 14-21 days, but it can vary based on temperature and environmental conditions.
To eradicate fungus gnats comprehensively, follow these steps:
* Drying Soil: Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. This deters larvae development as they thrive in moist environments.
* Yellow Sticky Traps: Place yellow sticky traps near plants to catch adult gnats. Yellow is attractive to them, aiding in population control of adult’s.
* Gnatrol or Bti: Use products like Gnatrol, which contains bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis - Bti) that targets and eliminates gnat larvae. Apply as directed on the packaging. I have tried everything on the Internet, and nothing was effective, except for gnatrol. Keep in mind that although the lifecycle of a loan female gnat it’s only one or two weeks, she may lay somewhere around 200 eggs before she dies. So when I recommend this product it is because the time it takes to try something less potent can mean you have thousands of more Nats to gnats to deal with. Gnatrol can be a hassle to find because it is only sold in large commercial quantities unless you find it on eBay where vendors repackage it and sell it to consumers in smaller quantities
Implementing these measures concurrently is vital to break the life cycle and reduce gnat populations.
Addressing watering practices is crucial in preventing fungus gnat infestations in the future. Here's how:
* Watering Techniques: Avoid overwatering. Ensure proper drainage in pots and use pots with drainage holes. Water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to discourage gnat larvae.
* Soil Quality: Use well-draining soil mixes to prevent waterlogged conditions that favor fungus gnat development.
* Hygiene: Remove any debris or decaying plant matter from the soil surface as they attract fungus gnats.
By combining these control methods and modifying watering practices, you can effectively manage and prevent future fungus gnat issues in your plants.
I am mindful that your Boston fern, likes its soil consistently moist, unlike many other houseplants, and how this makes them particularly vulnerable to gnats. Consider mitigating the risk here:
Boston ferns prefer consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. They thrive in slightly higher humidity compared to many other plants. However, their preference for moisture can create conditions conducive to fungus gnat infestations, especially if the soil remains consistently wet.
To address fungus gnats while considering the fern's moisture needs:
* Allow Soil to Dry Slightly even for ferns: While Boston ferns prefer moist soil, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings can deter fungus gnat larvae, as they thrive in consistently damp conditions.
* Is your potting mix the issue? Opt for a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging, which is crucial in discouraging fungus gnats. By chance are you using miracle grow? That was the Origen story my gnat saga. Here is a diy recipe that is optimal for the fern and gnat control
* 2 parts Peat Moss
* 1 part Perlite or Vermiculite
* 1 part Coarse Sand or Pine Bark
* 1 part Sphagnum Moss (optional, for added moisture retention)
* Avoid excessive hydration: Water the fern thoroughly but ensure excess water drains away. Empty saucers beneath pots to prevent water accumulation. Often the cause of gnats is a potting mix without sufficient drainage. If you ensure the potting mix has sufficient drainage this sorts itself out.
* Enhance Air Circulation: Improved airflow around the plant and soil surface helps to discourage fungus gnat activity.
* Yellow Sticky Traps: Implement yellow sticky traps placed near the fern to catch adult fungus gnats, helping to control their population.
Balancing the moisture needs of the fern with strategies to avoid overly wet conditions in the soil can help mitigate fungus gnat issues while maintaining an environment suitable for the Boston fern's growth.
Lastly, many sources encourage the use of hydrogen peroxide. Be skeptical as I found it ineffective for larvae but more importantly it will kill the biome the plant relies on to thrive. Hydrogen peroxide is like chemotherapy —the benefits vs harm must be carefully considered.
Hope this helps.
@SvelteKingfern @HoyaAddict @QueenSiricote I have never heard of black aphids. I have seen the green kind and this past fall I saw the kind that attack milkweed. I don’t know whether it’s aphids gnats, or something else. The aphids I’ve seen were almost big enough to give me a dirty look, I felt lol. Gnats are too small and you have to get the right angle to differentiate the head from thorax. For whatever that insight is worth lol….
I only got rid of fungus gnats when I let the soil stay completely dry for a few days, for a few times in a row between waterings. Even the grit dressing and the bottom watering somehow didn't work.
Luckily I have succulents, no other plant can withstand that kind of "treatment". I learned the hard way how persistent pests they are. @TexanExpat
I've seen many green aphids, the shape is the same as these bugs in the photo. And I've read that there are black aphids.
Luckily I have succulents, no other plant can withstand that kind of "treatment". I learned the hard way how persistent pests they are. @TexanExpat
I've seen many green aphids, the shape is the same as these bugs in the photo. And I've read that there are black aphids.
Thanks for your replies everyone! Black aphids seems to be the most accurate diagnosis from what I can see and what I've just looked at on the interwebs, however I do see the odd fungus gnat or 3 hanging around one of the plants in my bathroom so I'll treat that one as per @TexanExpat's detailed advice. So very much appreciated ❤️
@SvelteKingfern @QueenSiricote @HoyaAddict as effective as letting the soil dry out, it can have further downstream effects on the health of the plant. Substrate made with peat moss becomes hydrophobic eventually. When someone told me this, I thought it was nonsensical. Sure enough, hydrophobic peat requires extra measures to render it capable of retaining moisture again. I have alocasias and palms in 20” containers outside that j have to reckon with. Using coir in lieu of pest or aa combination thereof is a workaround. It is often the case that the issues our plants deal with are not those of a singular cause in fact but multifaceted issues with more than one contributing favor. A waterlogged potted plant, planted in miracle grow and insufficiently amended to improve drainage, can lead to excessive saturation. This invites fungus gnats but also weakens the plant. Weakened plants become more vulnerable to pests and disease. A weak plant to then is like a bleeding seal to a shark—-the bone on it. Soon enough more than one pest is sucking the sap from the plant and as it continues to weaken, the fungal pathogens move in to eat the necrotic tissue and eventually consume the plant if not caught in time. What a first looks like mere fungus gnats could in actuality just one member of the party and their + 1 can be any disease for which they are a vector.
Very well observed @TexanExpat That's exactly what we, plant people, should be aware of. Our concern should always be the best of our plants.
I'm fuming while reading all these posts about "chopping and propping" for the so called esthetic purposes, or cutting off slightly yellow leaves (there are some exceptions concerning the necessity). What is not usually said, is that the plant becomes unnecessarily weakened , susceptible to pests and diseases, or is experiencing shock and dies. @TexanExpat @QueenSiricote @HoyaAddict
I'm fuming while reading all these posts about "chopping and propping" for the so called esthetic purposes, or cutting off slightly yellow leaves (there are some exceptions concerning the necessity). What is not usually said, is that the plant becomes unnecessarily weakened , susceptible to pests and diseases, or is experiencing shock and dies. @TexanExpat @QueenSiricote @HoyaAddict
@QueenSiricote I recently had aphids on my wax ivy, I just took her to the sink and rubbed each leaf under the water. Easy peasy! They never returned 💚
@SvelteKingfern @TexanExpat I had a few fungus gnats last year, started to bottom water all my plants, now I never see them except for one plant, my kokedama (which is kinda always damp lol)
It was such an easy switch, and my plants are still thriving. 💕
It was such an easy switch, and my plants are still thriving. 💕
My plants don't have fungus gnats now, but it was a heavy battle. I watered on top, switched to bottom watering, but despite that I had to dry out the soil completely for a few days. And then, when I bottom watered, I saw one, on two occasions. Eventually they disappeared.
Poor kokedama. 😪. How about putting on top of the soil these extra sharp pieces of some crustaceans? They shred larvae and pupae of fungus gnats to pulp. No chemicals. @HoyaAddict
Poor kokedama. 😪. How about putting on top of the soil these extra sharp pieces of some crustaceans? They shred larvae and pupae of fungus gnats to pulp. No chemicals. @HoyaAddict
@HoyaAddict @SvelteKingfern as to plant aesthetics, I’m not sure Ive been exposed to “chop n prop” for aesthetic reasons per se; what I have seen is greater emphasis on creating a greater quantity of clones at the expense of the health of the mother plant. It has been my observation, not that I have seen much content on this precise viewpoint, but there is no discussion on the trade off that occurs when taking a cutting. Perhaps posts to the effect of “I didn’t take a cutting because…” don’t trend well is one explanation. As an aside, my understanding of the algorithms is that one must “feed the beast” on continued, consistent, prolific content, lest the fame monster dumps you. Given how much content on there seems to be the result of this element at play rather the merit of each posting warranting it’s own publishing, it is ironic that there aren’t posts illustrating examples of when taking a cutting is not opportune or is avoided to allow the mother plant to thrive….but I digress. I include myself among the new generation of plant people who came into hobby during the pandemic. We are the equivalent of the baby boomers, in the plant world. The offerings on the market today the poaching of plants are a reject of our arrival on the scene. We seem to emphasize the “instagram ready aesthetic —Kim kardarshain Krap. We do it fashion, we do it in health, and we do our pets and now our plants. As such, I found an alternative aesthetic offered by Daryl Cheng in his book The New Plant Parent. Darryl Cheng's plant aesthetic emphasizes the individual— appreciating the unique beauty of each plant, embracing diversity over conforming to standardized ideals of beauty. This is the aesthetic I like applied to myself and I think it elevates our own dignity when we apply it to plant and animal companions
@HoyaAddict @SvelteKingfern at the height of my fungus, gnat infestation I broke down one day in a rage arms with a spray bottle, and a flyswatter, and went on a rampage. It must’ve looked like a scene from Tom and Jerry. So you can imagine my delight when the Diatomaceous earth arrived. As the blogs recommended this option which promisedto be as lethal as it was violent for these mofo’s made me giddy.  Alas, it never worked at least not on the ones here and every time you water the plant you had to reapply.
@TexanExpat Haha I bet that would have been hilarious to watch although it would have been a nightmare to live through. That’s the problem with diatomaceous earth, it’s useless when wet, so if you’re top watering it becomes inert 😩
@TexanExpat @sveltekimgpalm I have chopped plant for numerous reasons. My biggest chop was my Micans, it had lots of scars from efn and I wanted to try and grow it again and bushier. I gave it a major chop back. Amazingly nearly every node activated from the mother plant and she became so bushy without even planting in the cuttings.
Many trees grow far better from having a pruning, as do roses. Gardeners and farmers will recommend it for many plants, like tomatoes and their suckers. I think we need to remember that plants are prepared for being cut and eaten in the wild and often grow back stronger and more resilient.
‘Sydney plant guy’ has the most amazing plants and without chopping and propping they would never reach the amazing sizes because our houses are not as tall as a rainforest tree. I will also prune leaves off when all the chlorophyll has gone to prevent pests (they love weakened leaves)
Darryl Cheng will also prune and chop plants. It’s not an aesthetic things, it’s a health and growth thing. Of course not all plants need this, but I highly recommend checking out Sydney plant guy, he basically proves that aroids are pretty happy with being chopped. It’s all about the roots and nothing more.
Other plants like cacti do not need pruning unless getting wildly out of control for you home or risk of toppling over.
You may be fuming that people chop plants for aesthetics, but some people collect or have plants just for that reason. It’s unfair to think everyone will see plants the same way you do. Some see them as decor others as family members. I have never experienced a plant die or be susceptible to pests or diseases from being pruned and 95% of my cuttings survive to make more plants to share with my friends and family.
Many trees grow far better from having a pruning, as do roses. Gardeners and farmers will recommend it for many plants, like tomatoes and their suckers. I think we need to remember that plants are prepared for being cut and eaten in the wild and often grow back stronger and more resilient.
‘Sydney plant guy’ has the most amazing plants and without chopping and propping they would never reach the amazing sizes because our houses are not as tall as a rainforest tree. I will also prune leaves off when all the chlorophyll has gone to prevent pests (they love weakened leaves)
Darryl Cheng will also prune and chop plants. It’s not an aesthetic things, it’s a health and growth thing. Of course not all plants need this, but I highly recommend checking out Sydney plant guy, he basically proves that aroids are pretty happy with being chopped. It’s all about the roots and nothing more.
Other plants like cacti do not need pruning unless getting wildly out of control for you home or risk of toppling over.
You may be fuming that people chop plants for aesthetics, but some people collect or have plants just for that reason. It’s unfair to think everyone will see plants the same way you do. Some see them as decor others as family members. I have never experienced a plant die or be susceptible to pests or diseases from being pruned and 95% of my cuttings survive to make more plants to share with my friends and family.
@SvelteKingfern kokedama doesn’t have soil on the outside they’re balls of moss woth maybe a soil core with a wrapped plant inside. Japanese art and very healthy for many plants due to good airflow. The plant is happy, the gnats are few. It doesn’t bother me as they don’t go anywhere else
@HoyaAddict I am familiar with Sydney plant guy. He does have amazing plants. Personally, I have been avoiding using a spaghum most polls like he does and I understand why he uses it because it helps him you know get them to their mature form. But for me I’m still new at this and I kind of don’t know what I would do with some of the mature forms of these plants in my space because my space isn’t that big and I’m not sure they might do well on the patio, so I’m experimenting with getting them big in their juvenile form more or less. I don’t expect people to see plants the way that I do because I’m imposing it on them or think it should be imposed on them. However, I have lived many lifetimes in my 45 years on earth and sometimes it’s very lonely when you realize that you have more wisdom than your 80 year old father does because of what life has presented you with, I think it is a mistake for us to not conduct ourselves around plants and nature in a way that does not recognize or honor the fact that they are a living organism for which it is important to factor in the dignity of living things. What I mean by this is that if you look at animal cruelty laws, you may wonder what the basis of them is it because we just love animals? Well, maybe that’s part of it but the policy rationale is because if we elevate animals and protect them from harm the elevate humanity because if it’s not OK to torture a dog, it’s certainly not OK to torture a person often serial killers are profiled or discovered because they have a history of animal cruelty. That’s where they start. I am reading the biophilia hypothesis and it talks about humanity’s connection to nature, while I respect everybody’s right to have their own opinion or viewpoint, I think it is the improvident person does not give deference. . When someone looks at some plants like sago palms, and recognize that they are literally living fossils that predate the dinosaurs they don’t get a sense of reverence…it’s kind of sad. Climate controlled environments were invented in 1907. Humanity evolved with nature, so when we severed ourselves from nature, we have no idea what we’ve lost. The Biophyllia Hypothesis speaks of a scenario where humanity fails to realize that it cannot exist without nature anymore than we can live in solitary confinement indefinitely…yet the fate of the species is cast and we are none the wiser. @HoyaAddict so I recognize what you say about allowing everyone to have their own aesthetic for plants, and the merit of that arises from the value in free thought and expression. However this is a different matter when assessing whatever virtue a given aesthetic warrants or doesn’t warrant on its own merit. I took my father to a new local park that the Master Naturalist program operates out of here that I want to join. I was telling him how the park is used to each about local ecology and native plants wildlife habitat. It’s still new and the flora has yet to fully establish. But he made a comment about a culvert that had a juxtaposition of plants dying as the cold weather sets in against other plants blooming. He said something yo the effect that it looked dilapidated, not well-kept abandoned and etc. I told him the purpose of the park was to showcase a new paradigm in beauty and aesthetics for nature. I told him you’re well, manicured lawn and tightly trimmed hedges. Your flowers planted in beds, arranged in lines— there are various kinds of garden design. At first Gardens represented heaven on earth, and in Versailles they were examples of humanity, instilling order on nature, tending nature to the world of classical proportion, America’s love affair our lawns in the way, we landscape and neat rows are just how humanity arranges the plants. These are not how plants arranged and selves in nature, and while that may be aesthetically pleasing to some, it also has a drawback. as the population hair grows, we destroy more and more of what was pristine nature. We’re at the point now where the insect populations are dwindling. They are the basis of much of the food chain if the populations collapse, then we will not be able to feed ourselves, and it will be a cascading effect of death and destruction. I told him the park that we were at offered a new paradigm a beauty. In comparison to America’s manicured lawn, which one may look at and see something beautiful, but a representation of nothing, but that’s in destruction, and then they might look at this park, where the vistas showcase the natural circle of life the perennials being reborn every year, and in the fall, the cycle of death being represented as dead seed heads form contrast with the amber colors of dying foliage. This is Piet ouldolf aesthetic.  Just as one form of garden design can ignore sustainability and put the species at risk so two can anesthetic on plants that doesn’t recognize the dignity that are bestowed with an all living things it’s not unforeseeable that our food supply, our safety, our well-being in our world, or sacrificed up on the altar for the sake free thought self-expression. I have strong feelings the way that I do in part because it’s a PTSD survivor. My life has become one where my dignity has been eroded from the nature of the disease, and it gives me a perspective and acuity on the value of some things that most people are fortunate enough never to have to ponder. There is also the known unknown to Consider. We know that modern science has yet to discover the many secrets of nature. Yet just a month or so ago, the washing post reported on a new discover that identified the mechanism plants use to communicate and some detail about what they communicate about. They found that when pests attack a plant, it can communicate to nearby plants a warning, and the plants respond by marshalling their defenses. They can change the chemical composition of themselves to some extent and make themselves inedible. WaPo ended the article by quoting one of the scientist who said that a responsss that are tailored the message, which indicate not only that a warning is sent, but the plant effectuating its response on the basis of the content of the message is a sign of intelligent life. To refer back to animal cruelty—there is some recognition that animals can suffer as intelligent life so we bestow them with legal protections. Today we crop ears and bob tails, but now many vets won’t declaw cats given out shifting perspective on cruelty. I won’t even get into what American culture does to its baby boys brought into the world, but perhaps one day we will have to think about how our standard of beauty for plants may be more similar to our standard of beauty for bulldogs, which are grotesque and cruel considering the benefit detriment tradeoff (we recently rescued a Frenchie). So I agree it’s not fair for me to impose my sense of aesthetics on somebody else when it comes to our house plants, but that doesn’t mean there is an equivalence in value between then. I get the sense that you probably agree with if not the articulation sentiment of a lot of what I say given your passion for plants.  perhaps my perspective and response to the fairness in plant ascetics. Has elevated that for you.
@HoyaAddict have you ever had Swedish ivy I have a growing in my wall planter and I swear to God the same grows so fast that I can’t keep up with it and so I was just thinking about two hours ago about how I need to learn how to prune this so that it doesn’t just grow everywhere all the time lol
@TexanExpat Oh I completely 100% agree with you. I hate manicured grass and I do see American is obsessed with the perfect lawn. If we’re taking about outside our homes I think letting things go wild is ale the best policy! I even let my pool turn green and into a pond just for the wildlife. Now I see birds bathing in it and all sorts of insects thriving.
But as you stated earlier, in our homes sometimes letting plants get as big as nature is not possible. We don’t have the space most of the time. They’re also in a foreign environment being in pots, separated from each other and other animals. We are the only caregivers and without us there they’d die. So indoor plants to me can be treated very differently to my outdoor garden. (I begrudgingly do my lawn areas but 90% of my garden has no lawn areas to encourage nature to be free)
Humans have definitely had too much impact on the planet and I have cried about these issues since i was a little girl watching tv seeing rainforests cut down for cattle farming 😞 this is probably a big reason why I’ve always wanted a jungle of my own
But as you stated earlier, in our homes sometimes letting plants get as big as nature is not possible. We don’t have the space most of the time. They’re also in a foreign environment being in pots, separated from each other and other animals. We are the only caregivers and without us there they’d die. So indoor plants to me can be treated very differently to my outdoor garden. (I begrudgingly do my lawn areas but 90% of my garden has no lawn areas to encourage nature to be free)
Humans have definitely had too much impact on the planet and I have cried about these issues since i was a little girl watching tv seeing rainforests cut down for cattle farming 😞 this is probably a big reason why I’ve always wanted a jungle of my own
@TexanExpat Oh don’t stress all ivy comes back 🤣 This is why they’re illegal in many countries, the roots can regenerate new growth very easily! Some plants has incredible speed of growth!
@TexanExpat Oh wow that’s beautiful! I find it funny when there are plants named Ivy but aren’t hedera 😅 Boston Ivy is the same! I am sure it will come back, I had a little read up on it and it says a good hard prune back every few years will help rejuvenate and maintain a good shape! 💚 I’ll have to keep an eye out for it. It’s a beautiful hanging plant!