Diseases
There are but two plant diseases likely to attack plants in the house:
fungus and mildew. The first seems to be a sort of decomposition of the
leaf, leaving a black, powdery residue. It is combated by spraying with
bordeaux. Bordeaux can now
be had in paste or powder form, which for
small quantities is much better than to try to mix it yourself.
Mildew causes the tenderest leaves to curl up and some of them seem to
be covered with a white powder. Flowers of sulphur, dusted over the
plants while the foliage is damp, is the standard remedy.
For the sake of ready reference, the foregoing is condensed in the
following simple table of plant insects and diseases.
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INSECT CONDITIONS
OR SUPPORTING REMEDIES
DISEASE GROWTH
-------------------+----------------------+----------------------------
Aphis, green and Shade; poor Aphine; tobacco-dust
black ventilation; or tea; kerosene
thick foliage emulsion; hot
water bath; insect
powder.
Aphis, blue Stunted growth; Whale-oil soap
lack of water solution; repotting;
tobacco tea applied to
roots.
Thrips, 1/4 inch, Shaded places; Kerosene emulsion;
long, brown or crowded plants Paris green--1
black; they eat. teaspoon to 12 quarts
Mealy bugs } water.
Other scale } Corners; close, Brush off; coal-oil;
insects } dry air kerosene emulsion;
hot water.
Red spider Hot, dry Moisture, sulphur,
atmosphere hot water.
Rose-beetle Hand picking; wood
ashes.
White flies Dry foliage Kerosene emulsion.
(Aleyrodes)
Slugs Dark corners; Air-slaked lime.
dampness; sweetened bran and
decaying wood Paris green.
Ants Insect powder;
molasses traps.
Angleworms Dampness; heavy Lime; lime-water;
soil tobacco tea, and
tobacco dust washed
into soil.
White grub Manure not old
enough. Destroy.
Fungous leaf spot Shocks; checks Bordeaux; Fungine.
Mildew Checks Flowers of sulphur;
Fungine.
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To make the kerosene emulsion, use 2 ounces of soap (whale-oil is much
better than the common), 1 quart of boiling water (over brisk fire), 2
quarts of kerosene oil. Dissolve the soap in boiling water, remove from
fire, and add oil. Churn or beat until of the consistency of cream. If
correctly mixed, the emulsion, on cooling, will adhere without oiliness
to glass. Use rain water, if possible; if not, add a little baking soda
to the water.
For scale insects, dilute with 10 parts of water; for aphis and soft
insects, with 15 or 20 parts water. In using kerosene emulsion, apply in
fine spray. Remember it must come in contact with the insect to be
effective.
Previous: Plant Enemies
Next: Accessories
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