Pest identification
What's eating my aeschynanthus marmoratus?
Mealybug
Signs: White cottony fluff in leaf axils and along trailing stems; yellowing and stunted growth; reduced vigour
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; treat entire plant with neem oil spray, repeating weekly for 3–4 weeks; quarantine new plants first
Spider mite
Signs: Pale speckling across the marbled leaf surface; fine webbing beneath leaves, especially in heated winter rooms
Control: Raise humidity; rinse foliage; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days
Aphid
Signs: Clusters of small insects on new shoots; shoot tips curl; sticky honeydew residue
Control: Rinse with water; apply insecticidal soap to affected growth; repeat weekly until resolved
Keep aeschynanthus marmoratus pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Aeschynanthus marmoratus pests — FAQ
What is eating my aeschynanthus marmoratus?
Aeschynanthus marmoratus (zebra basket vine) is prized for its marbled foliage. As an indoor trailing plant, mealybugs are the most likely pest, concealed in stem axils. Spider mites emerge in dry air. Aphids occasionally appear on new growth. The intricate leaf marbling can camouflage small pest colonies — turn leaves over and inspect regularly.
How do I get rid of mealybug on aeschynanthus marmoratus?
White cottony fluff in leaf axils and along trailing stems; yellowing and stunted growth; reduced vigour Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; treat entire plant with neem oil spray, repeating weekly for 3–4 weeks; quarantine new plants first
How do I get rid of spider mite on aeschynanthus marmoratus?
Pale speckling across the marbled leaf surface; fine webbing beneath leaves, especially in heated winter rooms Raise humidity; rinse foliage; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of aphid on aeschynanthus marmoratus?
Clusters of small insects on new shoots; shoot tips curl; sticky honeydew residue Rinse with water; apply insecticidal soap to affected growth; repeat weekly until resolved