Pest identification
What's eating my caladium 'white queen'?
Spider mites
Signs: Bronze or silvery stippling across the thin leaf surface; webbing visible on undersides in dry conditions
Control: Increase humidity, wipe leaves, and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days for 3 weeks
Aphids
Signs: Soft insects clustered on new growth and leaf undersides; distorted leaves and sticky honeydew
Control: Blast with water to dislodge, then apply insecticidal soap; check again after 5 days and repeat as needed
Caterpillars / Loopers
Signs: Ragged holes or entire sections eaten from leaves when grown outdoors
Control: Hand-pick or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray to affected foliage; check plants at dusk when caterpillars are active
Keep caladium 'white queen' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Caladium 'White Queen' pests — FAQ
What is eating my caladium 'white queen'?
Caladium 'White Queen' grown indoors is most commonly attacked by spider mites and aphids. Outdoors in warm climates, caterpillars and slugs can shred the large decorative leaves quickly. The thin, papery foliage shows damage very visibly — act at the first sign of pests to protect the ornamental display.
How do I get rid of spider mites on caladium 'white queen'?
Bronze or silvery stippling across the thin leaf surface; webbing visible on undersides in dry conditions Increase humidity, wipe leaves, and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of aphids on caladium 'white queen'?
Soft insects clustered on new growth and leaf undersides; distorted leaves and sticky honeydew Blast with water to dislodge, then apply insecticidal soap; check again after 5 days and repeat as needed
How do I get rid of caterpillars / loopers on caladium 'white queen'?
Ragged holes or entire sections eaten from leaves when grown outdoors Hand-pick or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray to affected foliage; check plants at dusk when caterpillars are active