About a week ago I noticed my Coleuses in the garden began to wilt (at least looked like it) So I watered them naturally. After 3 day no improvement. I decided to examine the plants more closely. The bases of the stems had a brownish purple tint to them. I tryed to move the stems. they broke off easily. Out crawled hundreds of termites. I had an old preformed pond liner at the other end of the yard that had been baking in the sun all day. I took the remaining termites taped them out into the hot bucket. killed them instantly not to get into details. 2 days after, I took the shovel and dug around the area where the coleuses were to try to find the nest or colony, nothing. On a good note, this year fire ants have been scarce. But unfortunatly this also means no control over other pests. How do I protect other plants from future attacks? I never knew termites targeted green non woody plants. Need some answers.
Since the post about a month ago, everything is under control after an appointment with the exterminator. Came out, injected poison into the infested area, and hopefully everything Turns out all right. 2 of the 3 coleuses survived and are poping up new growth. The purple areas where the termites invaded are going back to green so everything is stays well.
That is interesting about the termites. I only think of them eating wood. Glad you saved your plants from them.
It's funny, the exterminator said that same thing. But he also said something about the plants being the only real source of food. The tree's roots are too hard for their weak jaws, and all other wood is treated. The Coleuses are softer so they went after them, according to the exterminator. I'm glad too. I got those Coleuses from my high school horticulture class plant sale. Spent a month using a wooden stake as bait and tapping the pests out into a sunbaked plastic bucket this frys them instantly. Before the pest control came and injected the poison, this is the way I've been keeping them inline. Havn't seen many fire ants this year so that's why the termites have been so numerous this year. What I might do this fall is cut back the Coleuses, dip the stems in growth stimulant, then grow them over winter so by next spring they will be ready to plant.
Our fireant population was way down... until last month when we got that bit of rain. The mounds are everywhere now. Really have to watch where you walk and stand. Your idea of over-wintering the Coleus sounds like a good one.
Glad you got it resolved :-D I think the coleus will be a bright spot for you this winter! Gives me an idea, maybe I'll find some for my office window
Thanx guys. All the Coleuses in the garden now came from stems dipped in that same root stimulant. They were grown all winter in a greenhouse, then we sold them. And I'm thinking about doing the same in a controlled environment for this winter. Then next year, we should have more plants then we know what to do with. Those pests should stay away now that the area's been treated. Though the heat hasn't been so nice to them either. :-o Uh yes, I'l take an order of cool weather with a side of rain please. Anything else with that? No that will be fine. Your total will come to 4 prayers and 75 wishes. Have a great day !
