Have you noticed ants on your succulent plants and feeling worried? Don't worry! It's a common sight that often raises concern among gardeners. Although these tiny invaders can be a nuisance, their presence on your succulent plants might not be all bad news. Let's explore the curious case of ants on succulents together, and learn about the reasons behind their appearance and whether they pose a threat to your beloved plants.
Why ants are often found on succulents?
1. Honeydew: Ants feed on the sweet, sticky substance called honeydew on succulents, which is secreted by aphids, mealybugs, or scale insects.
2. Nesting Sites: Succulents with loose soil, especially if the plant is potted, provide ideal nesting sites for ants.
3. Moisture: Certain succulent varieties may retain moisture, creating a favorable environment for ants seeking hydration.
Would ants be harmful to my succulents?
Ants have no interest in vegetarianism, so may not directly harm succulents, but their presence may signal a potential problem:
1. Pest Infestations: Ants usually work with honeydew-secreting insects such as aphids and mealbugs. Aphids and other insects feed on succulents and secrete honeydew, which the ants feed on while protecting them from natural enemies. If you have many ants around your plants, it may indicate that they little farm on your plants.
2. Competition for Resources: Ants may compete with succulents for nutrients and water, affecting plant growth.
Will ants be beneficial for my succulents?
In fact, ants have a somewhat favorable effect on your succulents,like
1. In addition, the small numbers of ants may help promote soil aeration, improve succulent soil texture, and spread beneficial microorganisms into the soil.
2.In some cases, ants may carry some pollen on their bodies and may spread some pollen to other flowers as they move around.
How do we distinguish between 'good' ants and 'bad' ants?
The answer is the number of ants!
If you see a few ants on your plants or planters, there is no need to worry as they are likely just passing by.
However, if there are a large number of ants, it may indicate the presence of harmful insects on your plants and the possibility of ant nests in or around the pots. If ants have made a nest in a pot, they will consume the nutrients from the soil and damage the roots by chewing through them.
How to get rid of pesky ants?
It's hard to avoid ants outdoors. If you can live in harmony with ants, it is best. Try not to use insecticides. If ants are infesting your plants, you can do the following:
1. Control the ants' food source: Use insecticidal soap and neem oil or introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs to control aphids and mealybugs. Apart from this, keep food out of succulent pots.
2. Remove: If there is a large number of ants in the soil in the pot, the plant needs to be repotted. Throw away the soil with ants and clean up the pots and plants. Ensure that the plant is still free of ants and that there are no nests underneath the plant before transplanting it to well-drained soil. You may wonder: How to repot succulents.
3. Natural repellents: Use natural ant repellents such as diatomaceous earth, cinnamon, or citrus peel around your succulents.
Conclusion
If ants are crawling on your succulents, it could indicate an underlying pest problem and soil disturbance. It's essential to maintain the health of your succulent plants by identifying and addressing the root cause of the ant infestation. By doing so, you can take appropriate measures to manage the infestation effectively and ensure the well-being of your plants. Remember, early detection and timely action can prevent further damage and promote the healthy growth of your plants.
