Question
If I bring home a new plant, how long should I keep it away from my other plants? I don't want to bring home any pest, and spread it around.

Thanks,  Nana

Answer
Hi Nana,

The spreading of plant pests from one plant to another is often exaggerated. It can and does happen, but not nearly as easily or as often as is commonly believed. Isolating a new plant for a period of time does not guarantee protection.

Many plants have plant pests in very low numbers so that they are virtually undetectable. They can remain that way for years. If the environment changes or if the plant comes under stress due to poor light or improper watering, then a favorable environment may be created for the development of the pests that have been there all along. They may then reproduce rapidly and suddenly an infestation becomes visible almost over night. That always prompts the question, "Where did they come from?!" In fact, they were there all along.

The presence of plant pests is often a symptom that the plant is under stress for other reasons that are even more threatening to the health of the plant. So treating just the pest problem is often not enough. Tracking and fixing the underlying source of stress is very important.

Here is what I suggest that you do with new plants. Spray the new plant very thoroughly until all stem and leaf surfaces are dripping wet. This will probably take care of any existing plant problems and it will be safe to put your plant among other plants.

More importantly, you should always inspect your plants regularly for signs of plant pests. Just because they do not have any pests now does not mean they never will. If you discover plant pests early, they are much easier to treat and you will be able to correct the underlying source of stress sooner. So look at the undersides of the leaves for spider mites and check the nooks and crannies for mealybugs and you can save yourself a lot of aggravation.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC