Pest identification
What's eating my bucephalandra catherineae?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine stippling on leaves, webbing on undersides, leaves dull and bronzed
Control: Raise humidity, mist foliage, wipe leaves with a damp cloth; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days until clear
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew residue
Control: Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray weekly for 3 weeks
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae feed on roots and organic matter in moist substrate; adult gnats hover around soil
Control: Allow the top inch of substrate to dry between waterings; use sticky yellow traps for adults; drench with Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) for larvae
Keep bucephalandra catherineae pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Bucephalandra Catherineae pests — FAQ
What is eating my bucephalandra catherineae?
Bucephalandra catherineae, an aquatic or semi-aquatic Bornean aroid kept as a houseplant or aquarium plant, is most commonly troubled by spider mites when grown emersed in dry indoor air. Mealybugs and fungus gnats can also appear. Submerged specimens are largely pest-free but may suffer algae overgrowth.
How do I get rid of spider mites on bucephalandra catherineae?
Fine stippling on leaves, webbing on undersides, leaves dull and bronzed Raise humidity, mist foliage, wipe leaves with a damp cloth; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days until clear
How do I get rid of mealybugs on bucephalandra catherineae?
White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew residue Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray weekly for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on bucephalandra catherineae?
Larvae feed on roots and organic matter in moist substrate; adult gnats hover around soil Allow the top inch of substrate to dry between waterings; use sticky yellow traps for adults; drench with Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) for larvae