climbing plants They are an essential resource in gardens and outdoor spaces due to their ability to cover walls, fences, and pergolas, providing a unique, natural, and decorative touch. However, like any other plant species, they require specific care to avoid problems arising from plagues and diseases which can affect both their development and the health of the environment in which they are installed.
What are climbing plants and what are their advantages?
Climbing plants, also known as creepers, are characterized by their peculiar growth formThese species do not sustain themselves vertically, but instead use natural or artificial supports to expand and reach sunlight. They can be classified into two large groups:
- Climbing guides: They lack stems that rise from the ground and require support for their growth.
- Semi-climbers or leaners: They are born with a certain rigidity and later curl around a support.
Its most notable benefits are its air purifying capacity’s most emblematic landmarks, the thermal isolation They offer decorative effects on walls, creating fresh, pleasant spaces. They also attract beneficial auxiliary fauna, promoting natural biological pest control through birds and insect predators.
Main pests in climbing plants
La presence of pests In climbing plants it can result in aesthetic damage, general weakening and, in the most severe cases, the death of the plantSome of the most common pests include:
- Mealybugs: They are parasites that are recognized by their protective shield of different colors and textures. They suck the sap on leaves and stems, causing discoloration, yellowing, and premature leaf drop. It is recommended to remove them manually with cotton soaked in alcohol and use anti-mealybug insecticides in cases of severe infestations.
- AphidsThese small, colorful insects (green, yellow, black, or brown) deform shoots and leaves by rolling them up. They secrete honeydew that promotes fungal growth. boldFor effective control, soapy water can be used, manually removing the affected areas, or specific insecticides can be used.
- White fly: It usually attacks the underside of leaves. Its bites cause yellowing and falling leaves, leaving a sweet secretion attractive to black mold. They are combated with insecticides and soapy water showers.
- TripsSmall, barely visible, they cause silvery spots and discoloration on leaves and flowers. They don't usually cause serious damage, but infestations require treatment with specific products.
- Red spiderTiny reddish mites that produce pinpoint spots and cobwebs on the underside of leaves. They are common in dry, warm environments. They are controlled using acaricides and ensuring good humidity.
- Defoliator caterpillarsCaterpillars of various species devour leaves, eventually defoliating the plant. They are removed manually, and if the infestation is severe, biological or chemical insecticides are used.
- Leaf miners: Its larvae excavate visible galleries in the leaves. They are easily detected by observing leaves with winding paths. Systemic insecticides are usually necessary for widespread attacks.
- Soil wormsWhite, gray, or wireworms that affect roots, causing wilting and yellowing of the plant. It's essential to check the soil, remove the larvae, and treat with specific soil products.
- Snails and slugsThey feed on leaves, leaving jagged edges and shiny trails of mucus. They are most active after rain or at night. They are controlled manually, with beer traps, or granulated metaldehyde baits.
- Leaf cutter bee: It cuts leaf fragments for its nests, primarily affecting the appearance. It doesn't usually require treatment unless it causes significant damage.
- Other common insectsThese include ants, bedbugs, grasshoppers, nematodes, and weevils. Control should be tailored to the specific insect, using traps, biological management, or low-environmental-impact products whenever possible.
Main diseases in climbing plants
The fungal, bacterial and viral diseases They pose another major threat to the healthy development of climbing plants. Among the most common pathologies are:
- Botrytis (Gray Mold): Caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, produces brown lesions and a characteristic gray mold on leaves, stems and flowers. It worsens with high humidity and poor ventilationControl involves removing affected areas, improving ventilation, reducing sprinkler irrigation, and applying systemic fungicides preventively.
- Root rot: Various fungi such as Phytophthora, Fusarium o armillaria They cause root rot, wilting, and death of the plant. The main cause is the overwatering or poor drainageDrainage needs to be improved and contaminated plants and soil removed to prevent further infections.
- Powdery Mildew: Fungi such as Uncinula, Erysiphe o Sphaerotheca cause a white or grayish powder Easily visible on the leaves. It thrives in high humidity and moderate temperatures. Treatment includes removing affected areas, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying systemic fungicides and sulfur powder.
- Mildew: Along with powdery mildew, it is one of the most common diseases. Initially, it produces spots on the upper surface, then a gray or white fuzz appears on the underside. It is favored by rainfall and average temperatures. They are controlled by Preventives with copper or systemic fungicides and avoiding wetting the vegetation.
- Roya: Produced by genres such as puccinia o uromyces, is detected by yellowish, reddish, or orange pustules on the upper and lower surfaces of leaves, which lead to necrosis and leaf drop. In addition to chemical control, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant debris.
- Bold: Caused by the fungus sooty mold, appears as a dry, black powder on leaves, caused by the honeydew of aphids, mealybugs, or whiteflies. Treatment requires controlling these pests to prevent their appearance.
- Other diseases: Leaf spots, anthracnose, alternariosis, wilt Verticillium o Fusarium, cankers, and bacterial or viral diseases. These are highly dependent on environmental conditions and the plant's health. Control includes removing affected leaves and applying specific products based on the cause.
Symptom Recognition: How to Identify Pests and Diseases
Observing daily allows us to detect early symptoms of an attack. The most common are:
- Yellowing or leaf discoloration.
- Dots, spots or powder (white, greyish, black or orange) on leaves and stems.
- Curling, deformations in shoots and young leaves.
- Loss of vigor, wilting, premature fall of leaves or flowers.
- Presence of visible insects, traces of mucus, galleries or cobwebs.
General care for prevention
secure the healthy development of climbers requires periodic care and observation:
- Substrate and drainage: Choose rich, well-drained substrates, applying organic manure and fertilizers as needed.
- Solar exposition: Ensure that it receives plenty of light but, depending on the species, avoid excessively intense exposure.
- Adequate wateringMaintain humidity without waterlogging. Pay special attention during the planting and transplanting stages.
- Pruning: Remove dry or diseased leaves and branches regularly to promote aeration and prevent accumulations that facilitate pests.
- Safe tutors and supports: Install strong structures for healthy growth and ensure that no cracks in the wall can allow roots or moisture to enter.
- Hygiene: Clean and disinfect pruning and handling tools to prevent the spread of disease between plants.
Can climbing plants pose a risk?
Except for species that are toxic or allergenic to humans and animals, Climbers do not pose any risks when properly controlled. However, it's worth considering potential drawbacks:
- They can add moisture to walls, causing deterioration of materials and paints.
- If left uncontrolled, they can harbor insects and small rodents.
- Roots can take advantage of cracks in walls, so it is advisable to seal them beforehand.
- Fire hazard if the dry plant mass remains unpruned for too long.
- Prevent children or pets from climbing or handling vines, always encouraging supervision and proper maintenance.
Additional recommendations for efficient maintenance
- Use organic or biological products whenever possible, reducing the environmental impact of insecticides and fungicides.
- Prioritize the prevention through constant monitoring of the plant's health status.
- Consult with professionals if you have questions about specific species and risks associated with poisoning or allergies.
- Do not mix chemical treatments without consulting the specific instructions for each product.
The images presented allow us to distinguish the main symptoms of pests and diseases in different species of climbing plants, facilitating the identification and use of an appropriate control strategy in each case.
Maintain a few healthy and vigorous climbing plants This is possible with daily observation and the application of respectful management practices, both for pest control and disease prevention. Early management, regular pruning, and correcting moisture problems ensure that these spectacular plants continue to beautify our spaces without compromising the health of the home ecosystem.
