Pest identification
What's eating my banana croton?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine speckling and bronzing on leaves; webbing on undersides; leaves may drop in heavy infestations
Control: Increase humidity; rinse foliage regularly; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days until clear
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy fluff in leaf axils and stem joints; honeydew residue leads to sooty mould
Control: Remove with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap; isolate the plant to prevent spread
Scale insects
Signs: Hard or soft brown bumps on stems and along leaf veins; yellowing and leaf loss in severe cases
Control: Scrape off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil spray; repeat every two weeks for a month
Keep banana croton pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Banana Croton pests — FAQ
What is eating my banana croton?
Banana Croton's bold, colourful leaves attract spider mites in dry conditions and mealybugs year-round indoors. Scale can also colonise stems and leaf undersides. Crotons are especially vulnerable when stressed by low humidity or draught. Keep humidity above 50%, inspect leaf undersides weekly, and act at the first sign of pests.
How do I get rid of spider mites on banana croton?
Fine speckling and bronzing on leaves; webbing on undersides; leaves may drop in heavy infestations Increase humidity; rinse foliage regularly; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days until clear
How do I get rid of mealybugs on banana croton?
White waxy fluff in leaf axils and stem joints; honeydew residue leads to sooty mould Remove with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap; isolate the plant to prevent spread
How do I get rid of scale insects on banana croton?
Hard or soft brown bumps on stems and along leaf veins; yellowing and leaf loss in severe cases Scrape off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil spray; repeat every two weeks for a month