Pest identification
What's eating my rattlesnake plant?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale yellow speckling across the patterned upper leaf surface; webbing on the purple underside in heavy infestations.
Control: Shower the plant thoroughly to dislodge mites. Treat with insecticidal soap spray, covering all leaf surfaces. Repeat weekly and maintain humidity above 60%.
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits at the base of leaves and in stem joints; slow growth and leaf yellowing.
Control: Spot-treat with a 70% isopropyl alcohol-dipped cotton swab. Follow up with insecticidal soap spray on the whole plant and repeat after 10 days.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae damage fine roots in moist soil; adult gnats flying around the pot are the most visible sign.
Control: Let the top inch of compost dry out between waterings. Use yellow sticky traps and apply a Bti-based soil drench (e.g. Gnatrol) to eliminate larvae.
Keep rattlesnake plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Rattlesnake Plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my rattlesnake plant?
Rattlesnake Plant's long, lance-shaped leaves with purple undersides are particularly attractive to spider mites in low-humidity conditions. Mealybugs and fungus gnats round out the main threats. A consistent humidity level of 60% or above, combined with careful watering that avoids waterlogged soil, prevents most problems.
How do I get rid of spider mites on rattlesnake plant?
Pale yellow speckling across the patterned upper leaf surface; webbing on the purple underside in heavy infestations. Shower the plant thoroughly to dislodge mites. Treat with insecticidal soap spray, covering all leaf surfaces. Repeat weekly and maintain humidity above 60%.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on rattlesnake plant?
White cottony deposits at the base of leaves and in stem joints; slow growth and leaf yellowing. Spot-treat with a 70% isopropyl alcohol-dipped cotton swab. Follow up with insecticidal soap spray on the whole plant and repeat after 10 days.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on rattlesnake plant?
Larvae damage fine roots in moist soil; adult gnats flying around the pot are the most visible sign. Let the top inch of compost dry out between waterings. Use yellow sticky traps and apply a Bti-based soil drench (e.g. Gnatrol) to eliminate larvae.