Pest identification
What's eating my ant plant?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white deposits on stems and inside leaf pouches; sticky honeydew and sooty mold follow
Control: Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swab; treat plant thoroughly with neem oil, paying attention to pouch interiors
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems; plant weakens and leaves yellow as sap is drained
Control: Scrape off scale with a soft toothbrush; apply horticultural oil or isopropyl alcohol; repeat every 2 weeks
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing, pale stippling on leaves, overall decline in dry indoor air
Control: Increase humidity around the plant; spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil weekly until clear
Keep ant plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Ant Plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my ant plant?
Dischidia pectinoides is an epiphytic houseplant susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects, which exploit its waxy stems and leaf pouches. Spider mites can appear in hot, dry indoor conditions. Vigilant inspection of the pouched leaves, where pests hide easily, is the key defense.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on ant plant?
Cottony white deposits on stems and inside leaf pouches; sticky honeydew and sooty mold follow Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swab; treat plant thoroughly with neem oil, paying attention to pouch interiors
How do I get rid of scale insects on ant plant?
Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems; plant weakens and leaves yellow as sap is drained Scrape off scale with a soft toothbrush; apply horticultural oil or isopropyl alcohol; repeat every 2 weeks
How do I get rid of spider mites on ant plant?
Fine webbing, pale stippling on leaves, overall decline in dry indoor air Increase humidity around the plant; spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil weekly until clear