Growli

Pest identification

What's eating my anthurium andraeanum 'bianco'?

Mealybugs

Signs: Cottony white masses blend against pale spathes; found at leaf axils, stem bases, and root crowns; honeydew and sooty mould follow

Control: Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab to each colony; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 10 days until absent

Spider mites

Signs: Subtle stippling on white and green leaf surfaces; fine webbing underneath; spathes may yellow or brown at edges

Control: Raise humidity, shower thoroughly, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil on a 5–7 day schedule for 3 weeks

Fungus gnats

Signs: Larvae feed on fine roots in overwatered soil, causing wilting; adults fly around the surface when the plant is disturbed

Control: Allow topsoil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps for adults and apply a BTi soil drench for larvae

Keep anthurium andraeanum 'bianco' pest-free

Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:

Anthurium andraeanum 'Bianco' pests — FAQ

What is eating my anthurium andraeanum 'bianco'?

Anthurium andraeanum 'Bianco', with its white spathes, is an indoor flowering anthurium susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. White spathes make honeydew deposits and mite webbing harder to spot, so use a bright torch when inspecting. Quarantine before placing near other plants.

How do I get rid of mealybugs on anthurium andraeanum 'bianco'?

Cottony white masses blend against pale spathes; found at leaf axils, stem bases, and root crowns; honeydew and sooty mould follow Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab to each colony; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 10 days until absent

How do I get rid of spider mites on anthurium andraeanum 'bianco'?

Subtle stippling on white and green leaf surfaces; fine webbing underneath; spathes may yellow or brown at edges Raise humidity, shower thoroughly, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil on a 5–7 day schedule for 3 weeks

How do I get rid of fungus gnats on anthurium andraeanum 'bianco'?

Larvae feed on fine roots in overwatered soil, causing wilting; adults fly around the surface when the plant is disturbed Allow topsoil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps for adults and apply a BTi soil drench for larvae