Pest identification
What's eating my cissus javana?
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Fine stippling on upper leaf surface, silvery or bronzed sheen; fine webbing under leaves in heavy infestations
Control: Raise humidity, mist regularly; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, repeating every 5–7 days
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus / Planococcus spp.)
Signs: White waxy wool in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew and sooty mould; slow decline
Control: Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray; isolate the plant from others
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on soft new growing tips causing distortion and honeydew drip
Control: Blast off with a gentle shower; apply insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly until clear
Keep cissus javana pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Cissus javana pests — FAQ
What is eating my cissus javana?
Cissus javana (silver-leaf begonia vine) is an indoor tropical prone to the usual houseplant pests. Spider mites are the top threat, especially in warm, dry rooms. Mealybugs hide in leaf axils, and aphids attack new growth. Fungus gnats breed in overwatered compost.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on cissus javana?
Fine stippling on upper leaf surface, silvery or bronzed sheen; fine webbing under leaves in heavy infestations Raise humidity, mist regularly; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, repeating every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of mealybugs (pseudococcus / planococcus spp.) on cissus javana?
White waxy wool in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew and sooty mould; slow decline Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray; isolate the plant from others
How do I get rid of aphids on cissus javana?
Clusters on soft new growing tips causing distortion and honeydew drip Blast off with a gentle shower; apply insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly until clear