• Houseplants are susceptible to a number of common plant diseases and pests. The best preventative measure is to keep new plants isolated from older houseplants for about a month in order to monitor and determine their state of health. Many diseases and pests in new houseplants are not immediately apparent. Sterilized potting soil should always be used for houseplants to minimize chances of infestation and disease. A number of home remedies are highly effective substitutes to the use of chemical control methods for houseplant diseases.
  
  

Remedy for Aphids

• Aphids are a common insect found on houseplants. The soft bodies, pear shaped insects damage plants by sucking plant fluids, leaving behind a sticky liquid which leads to the growth of fungus on the plants. An effective home remedy to repel aphids consists of a spray made by mixing 2 tsp. of mild dish soap with a bottle of lukewarm water. Use the mixture to spray plants especially under the foliage. The soap causes the insects to dehydrate and die by rinsing off the protective wax coating on the insects' bodies. Use the spray once a week.
  
  

Remedy for Fungus Gnats

• Fungus gnats are becoming increasingly common in houseplants with the rise in the use of soilless potting mediums. Fungus gnats thrive in moist soil often infested with fungi. The larvae of the insects feed on fungi and damage the roots of the plants. A simple home remedy for gnats is to place small bowls of vinegar near houseplants since the gnats are attracted to vinegar. Another remedy is to use a spray made by mixing 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1 tbsp. of liquid dish detergent on plants that are infested with fungus gnats. The insects die by feeding on the vinegar.
  
  

Remedy for Powdery Mildew

• Powdery mildew appears in the form of delicate white, felt-like growth on the foliage of houseplants. Powdery mildew is more common on the upper, visible areas of the plants but can also be present on the undersides of foliage. The disease leads to stunted and dwarfed plant growth. A homemade spray for powdery mildew can easily be made by mixing together 3 tbsp. of cooking oil, 1 tbsp. of baking soda and 1 tbsp. of liquid dish soap with a gallon of water. Use the mixture to spray plants every three days to get rid of powdery mildew.