The Potting Goblin
Uninvited. Unwelcome. Handle it.
Even the cleanest plant collection can get hit with pests. It's not your fault--and it's not the end of the world--but it is your responsibility. Catching problems early makes all the difference, so check your leaves now and then (especially underneath), watch for webbing, sticky spots, or stunted growth, and trust your gut if something seems off.
We believe in keeping it natural (wherever possible). Most issues can be knocked out with a mixture of neem oil, castile soap (we use peppermint scented), and water, or a quick quarantine and rinse. If you catch fungus gnats hanging around, 'Mosquito Bits' can be your friend--they target the larvae in the soil and won't wreck your water or the planet.
Skip the harsh chemicals. You don't need to nuke your home just to save a plant.
Rebel Tip: If you're dealing with recurring pests, check your watering habits. Overwatering is an open invitation to gnats, root rot, and drama.
Pest | Signs | What To Do |
Fungus Gnats | Tiny flying bugs around soil; larvae in the top layer (may look like coffee grounds) | Let soil dry out, add Mosquito Bits to water, bottom-water until they clear |
Spider Mites | Fine webbing, speckled or faded leaves | Rinse thoroughly, mist with neem oil + castile soap + water mix, isolate |
Mealybugs | White cottony clumps on stems and leaf joints | Dab with alcohol-soaked Q-tip, rinse, then spray with need oil mix |
Scale | Brown/tan bumps on stems/leaves that don't wipe off easily | Scrape gently, then spray with need oil mix regularly |
Aphids | Clusters of soft-bodied bugs (often green/yellow) on new growth | Rinse off with water, spray with need oil mix, repeat every few days. |
Don't panic! Most pest problems just need consistency, not chemicals. Stay on it for a couple weeks and you'll win.
Our go-to mix:
2 Tablespoons neem oil 2 Teaspoons Castile soap 1 gallon of water Mix will, fill a dedicated spray bottle (the oil will stick), shake before and during use. Spray the top and bottom of leaves every few days. DO NOT put the plant back into direct light or under grow lights until the leaves have dried. Neem is an oil and will cook your plant.