Pest identification
What's eating my alocasia polly?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and bronze discolouration on the glossy dark leaves; fine webbing under leaves and at petiole bases
Control: Increase humidity to 60%+; wipe leaves clean; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly until no mites detected
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluff packed into tight leaf axils; sticky surface; sooty mould may develop on honeydew
Control: Dab with 70% alcohol swab; spray entire plant with insecticidal soap; inspect axils deeply at each treatment
Scale insects
Signs: Hard brown or waxy bumps along stems and petioles; yellowing and leaf drop in severe infestations
Control: Scrape off scales with a soft brush or fingernail; treat with horticultural oil; repeat every two weeks
Keep alocasia polly pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Alocasia Polly pests — FAQ
What is eating my alocasia polly?
Alocasia Polly is especially prone to spider mites, which thrive in the warm, dry indoor conditions this plant often lives in. Mealybugs hide in the tight leaf axils, and scale can colonise the thick stems. All three spread fast on Alocasias — quarantine any new plant for two weeks before placing it near others.
How do I get rid of spider mites on alocasia polly?
Pale stippling and bronze discolouration on the glossy dark leaves; fine webbing under leaves and at petiole bases Increase humidity to 60%+; wipe leaves clean; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly until no mites detected
How do I get rid of mealybugs on alocasia polly?
White fluff packed into tight leaf axils; sticky surface; sooty mould may develop on honeydew Dab with 70% alcohol swab; spray entire plant with insecticidal soap; inspect axils deeply at each treatment
How do I get rid of scale insects on alocasia polly?
Hard brown or waxy bumps along stems and petioles; yellowing and leaf drop in severe infestations Scrape off scales with a soft brush or fingernail; treat with horticultural oil; repeat every two weeks