Pest identification
What's eating my chinese evergreen?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils and stem joints; sticky honeydew and stunted growth
Control: Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7–10 days until clear
Spider mites
Signs: Fine silvery stippling on leaves; fine webbing between stems, especially in dry conditions
Control: Raise humidity, wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems; leaves yellow and drop; sticky honeydew may attract sooty mold
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil or 70% isopropyl alcohol on a swab; follow up with neem oil
Keep chinese evergreen pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Chinese evergreen pests — FAQ
What is eating my chinese evergreen?
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) is most commonly attacked by mealybugs and spider mites indoors. These sap-sucking insects weaken foliage, cause yellowing, and leave sticky honeydew or fine webbing. Scale and aphids occasionally appear. Inspect leaf undersides and stem joints regularly; isolate new plants before introducing them to your collection.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on chinese evergreen?
White cottony clusters in leaf axils and stem joints; sticky honeydew and stunted growth Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7–10 days until clear
How do I get rid of spider mites on chinese evergreen?
Fine silvery stippling on leaves; fine webbing between stems, especially in dry conditions Raise humidity, wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of scale insects on chinese evergreen?
Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems; leaves yellow and drop; sticky honeydew may attract sooty mold Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil or 70% isopropyl alcohol on a swab; follow up with neem oil