Pest identification
What's eating my alocasia cucullata?
Spider mites
Signs: Dusty stippling and dulled gloss on upper leaf surfaces; webbing appears when populations are high
Control: Increase humidity, shower the plant to knock off mites, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days.
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony tufts in leaf joints and at the base of petioles; leaves become sticky and yellow
Control: Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab, then spray the whole plant with neem oil weekly.
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of small, soft-bodied insects on new growth outdoors; honeydew and distorted tips
Control: Blast off with a strong jet of water or apply insecticidal soap; repeat weekly until colonies are gone.
Keep alocasia cucullata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Alocasia Cucullata pests — FAQ
What is eating my alocasia cucullata?
Alocasia cucullata (Chinese taro or Buddha's hand) is grown as both an indoor plant and an outdoor tropical. Spider mites and mealybugs are the top threats indoors. In outdoor subtropical gardens it also encounters aphids and caterpillars. Its compact, upright growth makes it easier to inspect thoroughly than many larger Alocasia.
How do I get rid of spider mites on alocasia cucullata?
Dusty stippling and dulled gloss on upper leaf surfaces; webbing appears when populations are high Increase humidity, shower the plant to knock off mites, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on alocasia cucullata?
White cottony tufts in leaf joints and at the base of petioles; leaves become sticky and yellow Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab, then spray the whole plant with neem oil weekly.
How do I get rid of aphids on alocasia cucullata?
Clusters of small, soft-bodied insects on new growth outdoors; honeydew and distorted tips Blast off with a strong jet of water or apply insecticidal soap; repeat weekly until colonies are gone.