Pest identification
What's eating my aglaonema modestum?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony clusters at stem nodes and in leaf axils; honeydew makes leaves sticky and shiny
Control: Spot-treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray weekly; drench soil if root mealybugs are suspected
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippled dots on leaf surfaces; fine webbing under leaves; yellowing starts at edges
Control: Shower the plant to dislodge mites; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days until clear; raise ambient humidity
Scale insects
Signs: Flat or dome-shaped brown bumps adhered to stems; sticky honeydew below infested areas
Control: Scrape off with a toothbrush dipped in alcohol; apply horticultural oil spray to coat crawlers
Keep aglaonema modestum pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Aglaonema Modestum pests — FAQ
What is eating my aglaonema modestum?
Aglaonema modestum (the original Chinese Evergreen) is a robust species but still attracts mealybugs and spider mites indoors. Its plain green foliage makes pest spotting easier than on variegated cultivars. Root mealybugs are an underrated risk in older, pot-bound specimens. Inspect at every repotting and treat promptly.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on aglaonema modestum?
Cottony clusters at stem nodes and in leaf axils; honeydew makes leaves sticky and shiny Spot-treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray weekly; drench soil if root mealybugs are suspected
How do I get rid of spider mites on aglaonema modestum?
Pale stippled dots on leaf surfaces; fine webbing under leaves; yellowing starts at edges Shower the plant to dislodge mites; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days until clear; raise ambient humidity
How do I get rid of scale insects on aglaonema modestum?
Flat or dome-shaped brown bumps adhered to stems; sticky honeydew below infested areas Scrape off with a toothbrush dipped in alcohol; apply horticultural oil spray to coat crawlers