Pest identification
What's eating my candy corn plant?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits in stem joints and leaf axils; honeydew makes leaves sticky; plant loses vigor
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on a weekly schedule; isolate plant
Spider mites
Signs: Stippling on glossy leaves; fine webbing on stem tips; worst when indoor air is hot and dry
Control: Increase humidity, rinse plant under lukewarm water, apply insecticidal soap every 5–7 days
Scale insects
Signs: Small brown bumps on stems that can be mistaken for natural tissue; sap loss causes leaf yellowing
Control: Scrape off with a fingernail or soft brush; apply horticultural oil; repeat treatment in 2–3 weeks
Keep candy corn plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
candy corn plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my candy corn plant?
Candy corn plant (Nematanthus strigillosus) is a trailing gesneriad houseplant. Mealybugs are the most common problem, clustering in the joints of its thick, waxy stems. Spider mites can strike in dry conditions. Its waxy leaves resist pests somewhat, but stem joints remain a reliable hiding spot for mealybug colonies.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on candy corn plant?
White cottony deposits in stem joints and leaf axils; honeydew makes leaves sticky; plant loses vigor Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on a weekly schedule; isolate plant
How do I get rid of spider mites on candy corn plant?
Stippling on glossy leaves; fine webbing on stem tips; worst when indoor air is hot and dry Increase humidity, rinse plant under lukewarm water, apply insecticidal soap every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on candy corn plant?
Small brown bumps on stems that can be mistaken for natural tissue; sap loss causes leaf yellowing Scrape off with a fingernail or soft brush; apply horticultural oil; repeat treatment in 2–3 weeks