Pest identification
What's eating my cockscomb?
Aphids
Signs: Colonies nestled deep inside the crested head; distorted growth; honeydew and sooty mould on the flower.
Control: Direct a firm water jet into the crest folds; apply insecticidal soap spray; repeat every 5–7 days.
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on leaf undersides; pale, stippled yellowing across the blade; leaves drop early.
Control: Increase humidity around plants; spray with miticide or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves.
Caterpillars (various loopers)
Signs: Irregular holes or entire sections of leaves consumed overnight; frass left on foliage.
Control: Hand-pick; apply Bt spray in the evening; check under leaves for eggs and remove.
Keep cockscomb pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Cockscomb pests — FAQ
What is eating my cockscomb?
Cockscomb (Celosia argentea var. cristata) is most troubled by aphids clustering on its dense crested heads, spider mites in hot dry spells, and caterpillars that chew foliage. Fungus gnats affect container-grown plants. Aphids hiding inside the convoluted cockscomb are the hardest to control and the most common complaint.
How do I get rid of aphids on cockscomb?
Colonies nestled deep inside the crested head; distorted growth; honeydew and sooty mould on the flower. Direct a firm water jet into the crest folds; apply insecticidal soap spray; repeat every 5–7 days.
How do I get rid of spider mites on cockscomb?
Fine webbing on leaf undersides; pale, stippled yellowing across the blade; leaves drop early. Increase humidity around plants; spray with miticide or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves.
How do I get rid of caterpillars (various loopers) on cockscomb?
Irregular holes or entire sections of leaves consumed overnight; frass left on foliage. Hand-pick; apply Bt spray in the evening; check under leaves for eggs and remove.