Pest identification
What's eating my turtle vine?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing under leaves, stippled or bronzed foliage, rapid decline in dry conditions
Control: Raise humidity, mist leaves, wipe with a damp cloth; treat persistent infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils and stem joints; sticky honeydew residue
Control: Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray the whole plant with diluted neem oil
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied clusters on new growth causing curled or distorted leaves and honeydew
Control: Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days until clear
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae damage fine roots in waterlogged soil; adults are a nuisance around the plant
Control: Allow the top 2 cm of soil to dry between waterings; use sticky yellow traps; drench soil with a diluted neem solution or Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti)
Keep turtle vine pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Turtle Vine pests — FAQ
What is eating my turtle vine?
Turtle Vine is most troubled by spider mites, which thrive in the dry indoor air it tolerates. Mealybugs and aphids also target its soft, succulent-like stems. Fungus gnats can colonise overly wet soil. Check leaf undersides regularly and keep humidity moderate to stay ahead of infestations.
How do I get rid of spider mites on turtle vine?
Fine webbing under leaves, stippled or bronzed foliage, rapid decline in dry conditions Raise humidity, mist leaves, wipe with a damp cloth; treat persistent infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray
How do I get rid of mealybugs on turtle vine?
White cottony clusters in leaf axils and stem joints; sticky honeydew residue Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray the whole plant with diluted neem oil
How do I get rid of aphids on turtle vine?
Soft-bodied clusters on new growth causing curled or distorted leaves and honeydew Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days until clear
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on turtle vine?
Larvae damage fine roots in waterlogged soil; adults are a nuisance around the plant Allow the top 2 cm of soil to dry between waterings; use sticky yellow traps; drench soil with a diluted neem solution or Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti)