Pest identification
What's eating my confetti polka dot plant?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine silky webbing, pale stippling and bronzing on foliage; leaves look dull and dry even with adequate water
Control: Boost humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier. Spray all leaf surfaces with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until resolved.
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along stems; plant weakens, leaves yellow and drop
Control: Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Follow with neem oil spray over the whole plant; repeat weekly.
Aphids
Signs: Distorted new growth with sticky honeydew; small soft insects visible on shoot tips
Control: Blast off with water, then apply insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days for 2–3 weeks.
Keep confetti polka dot plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Confetti Polka Dot Plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my confetti polka dot plant?
Confetti Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Confetti') is a soft-stemmed tropical that attracts spider mites, aphids, and occasionally mealybugs indoors. The fine-leaved, bushy habit can harbour pests undetected. Check leaf undersides and stem junctions weekly, and keep indoor humidity above 50%.
How do I get rid of spider mites on confetti polka dot plant?
Fine silky webbing, pale stippling and bronzing on foliage; leaves look dull and dry even with adequate water Boost humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier. Spray all leaf surfaces with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until resolved.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on confetti polka dot plant?
White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along stems; plant weakens, leaves yellow and drop Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Follow with neem oil spray over the whole plant; repeat weekly.
How do I get rid of aphids on confetti polka dot plant?
Distorted new growth with sticky honeydew; small soft insects visible on shoot tips Blast off with water, then apply insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days for 2–3 weeks.