Pest identification
What's eating my black gold clog plant?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on stems and leaf undersides; leaves develop a pale, stippled, dusty look and may drop
Control: Increase ambient humidity; spray with water to dislodge mites; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until clear
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters at stem joints and in leaf axils; sticky honeydew leads to sooty mold
Control: Dab colonies with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray every 7–10 days
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems; plants weaken and leaves yellow as sap is drained
Control: Scrape off visible scale with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil or systemic neonicotinoid if infestation is heavy
Keep black gold clog plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Black Gold clog plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my black gold clog plant?
The Black Gold clog plant (Nematanthus 'Black Gold') is most threatened by spider mites and mealybugs, common on tropical gesneriads grown indoors. Aphids and scale insects occasionally appear. Check leaf undersides and stem joints regularly, and keep humidity moderate to discourage mite outbreaks.
How do I get rid of spider mites on black gold clog plant?
Fine webbing on stems and leaf undersides; leaves develop a pale, stippled, dusty look and may drop Increase ambient humidity; spray with water to dislodge mites; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until clear
How do I get rid of mealybugs on black gold clog plant?
White cottony clusters at stem joints and in leaf axils; sticky honeydew leads to sooty mold Dab colonies with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray every 7–10 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on black gold clog plant?
Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems; plants weaken and leaves yellow as sap is drained Scrape off visible scale with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil or systemic neonicotinoid if infestation is heavy