Growli

Pest identification

What's eating my anthurium andraeanum 'shooting star'?

Mealybugs

Signs: Fluffy white deposits in stem joints and leaf axils; stunted, distorted emerging leaves

Control: Treat with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab, then spray neem oil solution every week until clear

Spider mites

Signs: Tiny yellow or white dots on leaf surfaces; webbing visible under magnification on undersides

Control: Shower foliage thoroughly, then apply insecticidal soap; repeat every 5–7 days for at least 3 cycles

Scale insects

Signs: Fixed oval bumps on stems and spathe veins; sooty mold from excreted honeydew

Control: Scrape off with a soft brush dipped in alcohol; apply horticultural oil to smother remaining crawlers

Keep anthurium andraeanum 'shooting star' pest-free

Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:

Anthurium andraeanum 'Shooting Star' pests — FAQ

What is eating my anthurium andraeanum 'shooting star'?

Anthurium 'Shooting Star' is an indoor tropical that attracts sap-sucking pests in warm, dry conditions. Mealybugs and spider mites are the most frequent visitors. Scale insects can colonize the distinctive pale spathes. Keeping humidity high and leaves clean greatly reduces pest pressure on this cultivar.

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

Fluffy white deposits in stem joints and leaf axils; stunted, distorted emerging leaves Treat with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab, then spray neem oil solution every week until clear

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

Tiny yellow or white dots on leaf surfaces; webbing visible under magnification on undersides Shower foliage thoroughly, then apply insecticidal soap; repeat every 5–7 days for at least 3 cycles

How do I get rid of scale insects on anthurium andraeanum 'shooting star'?

Fixed oval bumps on stems and spathe veins; sooty mold from excreted honeydew Scrape off with a soft brush dipped in alcohol; apply horticultural oil to smother remaining crawlers