Pest identification
What's eating my blood bromeliad?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses in leaf axils and cup base; sticky honeydew and stunted growth
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray neem oil solution; isolate the plant immediately
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan waxy bumps on leaves; yellowing foliage and reduced vigor
Control: Scrape off manually with a soft brush; treat with horticultural oil spray; repeat every 10–14 days
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on leaf undersides; pale stippling and dry-looking foliage
Control: Raise humidity, rinse leaves with water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly until clear
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae damage fine roots in soggy mix; adults are a nuisance around the plant
Control: Allow potting mix to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench
Keep blood bromeliad pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Blood Bromeliad pests — FAQ
What is eating my blood bromeliad?
Blood Bromeliad (Guzmania sanguinea) is primarily threatened by mealybugs, which hide in leaf axils and the central cup. Scale insects and spider mites also attack weakened plants, and fungus gnats breed in overly moist potting mix. Keep the central cup filled with fresh water and inspect leaf bases regularly.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on blood bromeliad?
White cottony masses in leaf axils and cup base; sticky honeydew and stunted growth Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray neem oil solution; isolate the plant immediately
How do I get rid of scale insects on blood bromeliad?
Brown or tan waxy bumps on leaves; yellowing foliage and reduced vigor Scrape off manually with a soft brush; treat with horticultural oil spray; repeat every 10–14 days
How do I get rid of spider mites on blood bromeliad?
Fine webbing on leaf undersides; pale stippling and dry-looking foliage Raise humidity, rinse leaves with water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly until clear
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on blood bromeliad?
Larvae damage fine roots in soggy mix; adults are a nuisance around the plant Allow potting mix to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench