Mosquitoes and Indoor Plants: Money Plants, Bamboo and Water Vases

Money plants in bottles, lucky bamboo in glass vases and flowers in water are common in Indian homes, offices and shops. They look good, and, left alone for weeks, they can also grow mosquito larvae. Dengue mosquitoes in particular like small, clean water containers.

This guide explains how to enjoy these plants without the risk.

The short answer

Plants grown in water, such as money plants, lucky bamboo and cut flowers in vases, can breed mosquitoes if the water is left unchanged for more than about a week. Aedes mosquitoes lay eggs on the container walls just above the waterline, and larvae develop in the standing water. To keep them safe, change the water at least once a week, scrub the container and the roots under running water to remove eggs, keep a tight cover or a fine net over the mouth of the container, grow plants in soil instead, or use a sealed arrangement. Check other indoor water: saucers, trays and decorative bowls.

Why they breed mosquitoes

• Small amounts of still, clean water are ideal for Aedes mosquitoes.
• Eggs stick to the sides of vases and bottles and hatch when water is added.
• Larvae can develop in about a week.
• Indoor spots are warm and sheltered.

Weekly routine

1. Pour out the water completely.
2. Scrub the inside of the container, the neck and the waterline with a brush and a little soap, and rinse.
3. Rinse the roots or stems gently under running water.
4. Refill with fresh water and replace the plant.
5. Look at the water for any wriggling larvae before refilling.

Extra protection

• Cover the mouth of the bottle or vase with a piece of fine mesh or net secured with a band, leaving room for the plant stem.
• Use containers with narrow openings and cover the surface, for example with decorative stones, if suitable, but still scrub weekly.
• Consider growing the plant in soil or a potting mix instead.

Other indoor water to check

• Plant saucers and trays under pots.
• Decorative bowls with floating flowers or candles.
• Pet water bowls and aquariums with open tops.
• Water dispensers and trays.
• AC trays, coolers and fridge trays.
• Rainwater collected on balconies and window sills.

If you find larvae

Empty the water into a drain, scrub the container thoroughly, and check the rest of the home for similar sites.

Offices, shops and hotels

Include water-grown plants in routine housekeeping checklists with a fixed weekly day.

Health note

Dengue and chikungunya mosquitoes bite mostly during the day, including indoors. If anyone develops fever, severe headache, joint pain or rash, see a doctor.

When to call a professional

If mosquitoes persist indoors despite checks, a professional can inspect for hidden breeding sites.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I change the water?

At least weekly, and scrub the container.

Do money plants repel mosquitoes?

No evidence. They can host them if water is unchanged.

Can I add a drop of bleach or oil?

Not recommended. Scrubbing and weekly changes work better, and chemicals can harm plants.

Are soil-grown plants safer?

Generally, if saucers do not hold water.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on mosquito control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full mosquito control guide for Bangalore.