Pest identification
What's eating my celosia argentea var. spicata 'cramer's amazon'?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine stippling on leaves turning bronze; delicate webbing on stems and spike bases in dry, warm conditions.
Control: Apply neem oil spray covering all surfaces; water plants consistently; increase spacing to improve airflow.
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on young stems and spike bases; honeydew and sooty mould; stunted or twisted new growth.
Control: Knock off with water; insecticidal soap or neem oil; attract aphid predators such as lacewings.
Thrips
Signs: Silver-streaked flower spikes and distorted leaves; tiny dark frass visible on spike surfaces.
Control: Remove and bin affected spikes; spinosad spray; blue sticky traps to monitor population levels.
Caterpillars
Signs: Chewed holes in leaves and flower spikes; frass at plant base; caterpillars hide behind stems.
Control: Hand-pick larvae; apply Bt spray in the evening when caterpillars feed most actively.
Keep celosia argentea var. spicata 'cramer's amazon' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats celosia (cockscomb) — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common celosia argentea var. spicata 'cramer's amazon' problems & fixes
- Celosia argentea var. spicata 'Cramer's Amazon' watering schedule
- Celosia argentea var. spicata 'Cramer's Amazon' light requirements
- Full celosia argentea var. spicata 'cramer's amazon' care guide
Celosia argentea var. spicata 'Cramer's Amazon' pests — FAQ
What is eating my celosia argentea var. spicata 'cramer's amazon'?
Celosia 'Cramer's Amazon' (wheat celosia) is a tall, slender cultivar mostly troubled by aphids and spider mites. Its upright spikes can also attract thrips and, outdoors in borders, caterpillars. Spider mites escalate rapidly in hot weather. Good spacing for airflow and regular monitoring of spike bases keeps infestations in check.
How do I get rid of spider mites on celosia argentea var. spicata 'cramer's amazon'?
Fine stippling on leaves turning bronze; delicate webbing on stems and spike bases in dry, warm conditions. Apply neem oil spray covering all surfaces; water plants consistently; increase spacing to improve airflow.
How do I get rid of aphids on celosia argentea var. spicata 'cramer's amazon'?
Clusters on young stems and spike bases; honeydew and sooty mould; stunted or twisted new growth. Knock off with water; insecticidal soap or neem oil; attract aphid predators such as lacewings.
How do I get rid of thrips on celosia argentea var. spicata 'cramer's amazon'?
Silver-streaked flower spikes and distorted leaves; tiny dark frass visible on spike surfaces. Remove and bin affected spikes; spinosad spray; blue sticky traps to monitor population levels.
How do I get rid of caterpillars on celosia argentea var. spicata 'cramer's amazon'?
Chewed holes in leaves and flower spikes; frass at plant base; caterpillars hide behind stems. Hand-pick larvae; apply Bt spray in the evening when caterpillars feed most actively.