Is it possible that we've actually won our skirmish against the aphids? Mind you, we've had to resort to chemical warfare. Sorry about that. We put down this ant poison trap near our mystery plant. I also sprayed the plant with a mild dilution of Bronner's Magic Soap.POSTSCRIPT: My aunt says the plant is a Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) Everybody seems to have them in pots in Hawaii.
Today, there were two flowers blooming and no sign of ants or aphids. Granted it's only been about 4 days, but those bugs are usually back within a couple of days.
I checked all the leaves and couldn't find any of those sneaky, persistent, insect extremists.
We'd also put one of those ant poison things by our red ginger plants that were constantly attacked and over-run by ants that kept sucking the life out of the poor, innocent, young flowers.
Well, no sign of ants and the flowers are looking pretty healthy and happy now.
I know this was only one battle. We haven't won the war, but I'm willing to settle for a little peace.
You deserve a medal!
ReplyDeletethe ants might be spending the night at the neighbors. At least, that's what happens in apartment buildings ....the neighbor sprays their apt. and the ants move to your apt. on the other side of the wall, then you spray your apt., and the ants move, back to the neighbor.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you're on the right track, Kay. Just check the plants daily and reapply the magic potion at the first sign of The Return of the Aphids.
ReplyDeletegood work, not an easy battle and it will probably continue but you are worthy opponents.
ReplyDeleteAnts love the fluid secreted by aphids, so they consider them cattle, and protect them from predators, in this case you! Looks like you're winning, though.
ReplyDeleteKay
Alberta, Canada
I hope they never return...your flowers do look happy and healthy.Great job .
ReplyDeleteI agree, I hope they never, ever return those pesky ants, aphids or any other bug! Those flowers are beautiful! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteyay! Looks like the war is over. I hate to worry about plants when I have other things to worry about. Wish flowers were plastic and I could just leave them alone in all their glory! LOL.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, hope they stay away.I know how you feel about using chemicals.
ReplyDeletethe plants look beautiful, hope the aphids stay away
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the aphids Kay, they are the garden nightmare aren't they? Your plants look so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI have been fighting aphids on my butterfly weed plants. so far I am using the hose and my gloved fingers and we are doing ok with it.....Michelle
ReplyDeleteA thrilling battle royal!
ReplyDeleteWarm Aloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
Yay! You are regaining lost ground. Don't feel badly about removing the ants. NONE of them are native to Hawaii and they don't belong there. The native plants have no natural protection from them.
ReplyDeleteYou have also made me homesick for my Desert Rose. I gave it to Thom when I left. T should ask him how it is doing.
Looking good. Keep checking for aphid. That spray is safe and seems to work well.
ReplyDelete