|
Fri, Aug 18, 06 at 22:01
| A vine that I have transplanted has grown some leaves, but with it these tiny ants (which are pretty much everywhere anyways and they sting horribly too)anyways the ants are gathering at the base of the leaves where little knobs are, I keep crushing them but I check on the plant the next day and of course they are back..
Are they sucking the juices out????? What should I do? |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| Passion flowers do draw ants its there defence the ants love them I have to watch the ants they eat my caterpillars .Not much you can do they help the passion flower but if you want butterflys you might have to put down seven dust around pot. |
|
| I notice ants on the flower buds occasionally and thought that maybe passion flower buds put out a sap similar to peonies. You may also notice ants if there are aphids on the plant. The ants will "farm" the aphids to get the dew that they excrete. Karyn |
|
| Yup- the little "bumps" secrete a sugary substance ants like. In return, the ants protect the vine- "this is my food". They usually don't hurt anything (except you when you "threaten" them..) but some do "farm" aphids. There's a sticky stuff called "tree tanglefoot" you can put around the trunk of the vine & any other paths to said vine- the ants get stuck in it & can't pass. I wouldn't bother tho unless you see them actively farming or chewing on the vine itself. Sounds like your passion flower has fielded a little army to protect itself. I'd let 'em be. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Passiflora Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.