Thrips are tiny, but they can cause a lot of damage before you even realize they’re there. If your houseplants have weird spots, silvery streaks, or just look off, these pests might be to blame.
And unfortunately, once they show up, they don’t tend to leave quietly.
Getting rid of thrips on your houseplants – let alone avoiding them entirely in the first place – takes a mix of patience and the right approach. Whether you prefer natural methods or something a bit stronger, there are a few solid ways to kick them out for good.
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Quick Care Guide for Most Common Houseplants 💚
⭐ How to start? Easy, hard-to-kill plants like Monstera or Pothos are usually a great starting point.
💧 Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, but avoid letting them sit in standing water to prevent root rot.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix designed for indoor plants - I personally use this one. A mix with peat, perlite, or coco coir is great for avoiding soggy roots.
☀️ Light: Most houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light. Too little light can cause leaf drop, while direct sun may scorch the leaves.
🌡️ Temperature: Keep them between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and away from drafts, heaters or air conditioners.
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) once a month during spring and summer. Hold off during fall and winter.
1. Inspect plants regularly for thrips signs
Take a few minutes each week to look over the leaves and stems. Check the underside of leaves, since tiny insects often hide there.
Look out for silvery patches, dark spots, or small black specks – these can be early warnings. Use a magnifying glass if it helps you spot anything unusual.
Catching these pests early can help stop a bigger problem later on. Regular checks make it easier to keep your plants healthy and stress-free.
2. Use yellow sticky traps near plants
Yellow sticky traps are a simple way to catch flying pests. Place a few close to your potted greens, sticking them right into the soil.
These traps attract thrips because they like the color yellow. Once they land, they get stuck and can’t harm your plants.
Check and replace the traps every week. If you see lots of bugs caught, you may want to adjust your care routine to limit future outbreaks.
3. Introduce predatory mites
Bringing in predatory mites is a natural way to help control thrips. These tiny helpers feed on thrips’ eggs and larvae before they cause much trouble. You can buy them online or at garden stores.
You can grab some in a container here. To use them, just sprinkle the mites onto the soil and plant leaves. They’ll get to work right away, but you should reapply if your plants face a heavy infestation. It’s best to use them early in the season for steady results.
Make sure your plants aren’t coated in insecticides, as chemicals can hurt the mites. Regular monitoring helps you see if they’re making a difference. This hands-off approach fits well for busy plant owners who want extra support.
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4. Apply neem oil spray weekly
Neem oil is a simple product you can use to help keep unwanted pests at bay. Mix it with water and spray it lightly over your plants, making sure to reach the leaves’ undersides where bugs hide.
Doing this every week is important for keeping problems from returning. Squeeze the spray bottle gently to avoid soaking the soil too much.
Give your plants time to dry before moving them back to their usual spot. It’s ok to repeat more often if you see new pests. Neem oil generally won’t hurt most houseplants, but always test a small area first to make sure there’s no damage.
5. Avoid over-fertilizing houseplants
Adding too much fertilizer may seem like a way to help plants grow, but it can actually make things worse. When you over-fertilize, it encourages weak, tender growth that’s easier for pests to attack.
Thrips are more likely to feed on this soft new growth. The extra nutrients also make the plant more appealing to them. It’s better to follow the fertilizer instructions and use less if you’re unsure.
Remember to only feed your plants during their active growing period. Skip fertilizers in the winter, since most plants are resting then. Keeping a balanced schedule keeps plants healthier and less attractive to unwanted visitors.
6. Quarantine new plants before adding them
Bringing home a new plant is exciting, but it’s important to keep it away from your other plants for at least two weeks. Thrips are tiny and can move fast, so giving your new plant some space helps you spot any problems early.
Place the new addition in a different room or on a separate shelf to avoid accidental contact. During this time, check the leaves and stems daily for any unusual spots, damage, or movement.
Quarantining isn’t just for visible pests – eggs or larvae might be hidden and show up later. Taking this simple step can save you a lot of trouble down the line and help keep the rest of your collection healthy.
7. Rinse leaves gently with water spray
Spraying your plant’s leaves with a gentle stream of water washes away tiny bugs that might be hiding. It also helps remove dust and dirt that give pests a place to stick around.
Use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the plant, and try not to blast too hard so the leaves don’t get damaged. Focus on the undersides, since that’s where bugs usually gather.
Doing this once a week or as needed really cuts down on problems. After rinsing, let the plant dry off where there’s plenty of airflow.
8. Use insecticidal soap labeled for thrips
Insecticidal soap can be a direct way to control thrips when you spot them on your plants. Always check that the product is labeled for thrips before using it. This helps make sure you’re picking something that’s actually going to work for your issue.
Apply the soap following the directions on the label. Don’t forget to cover the undersides of the leaves, since tiny pests often hide there. It’s a good idea to test a small area on your plant first to check for any negative reactions.
Repeat the treatment as needed, usually every week or so, until you see improvement. You’ll want to keep monitoring your plants for any signs of the problem returning. Clean plant surfaces before you spray, since dirt or dust can block the soap from reaching the pests.
How Thrips Impact Indoor Plant Health
When these pests show up, they change more than just how your plants look. They can slow down overall growth and make your houseplants weaker over time.
Visual Symptoms on Leaves and Stems
One of the first things you’ll probably spot is silvery or white streaks on your plant’s leaves. These streaks are from where thrips puncture the leaves with their mouthparts. Over time, you might notice tiny black dots, which are their droppings.
Leaves may start to curl, twist, or develop little brown spots. Sometimes, new growth can look shrunken, crinkled, or distorted. Flowers, if your plant has them, can appear blemished or won’t open properly. Stems can also show faint scarring or rough patches from feeding.
These signs are usually more visible on tender or young leaves. It’s a good idea to check under the leaves and along leaf veins, since thrips prefer to stay out of plain sight.
Long-Term Effects on Plant Growth
Repeated feeding can weaken your plant, making new leaves look deformed or undersized. Damaged foliage can slow down photosynthesis, which means your plant isn’t getting as much energy as it should.
Severe infestations sometimes lead to leaf drop, stunted growth, or even death if not treated. Weakened plants can also become more vulnerable to other pests or diseases. If you’re growing flowering plants, buds may drop early or fail to develop.
Some thrips spread plant viruses, adding to the risks. For many indoor plants, ongoing thrips problems mean fewer healthy shoots, less flowering, and poor overall development. The impact depends on the plant’s type, size, and its general health when the pests arrive.