Pest identification
What's eating my crossandra (firecracker flower)?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and bronzing on leaves; fine webbing between stems; foliage may curl and drop in severe infestations.
Control: Mist foliage frequently to raise humidity; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days; move away from heat sources.
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied insects clustered on new shoots and flower buds; sticky honeydew and distorted growth.
Control: Rinse off with water; treat with insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly until clear.
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits at leaf axils and stem nodes; weakens plant and produces honeydew.
Control: Dab with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; follow up with neem oil spray. Isolate the plant to prevent spread.
Keep crossandra (firecracker flower) pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Crossandra (firecracker flower) pests — FAQ
What is eating my crossandra (firecracker flower)?
Crossandra (firecracker flower), grown as a tropical houseplant or warm-garden plant, is most troubled by spider mites in dry indoor conditions and aphids on flower buds and new growth. Mealybugs and whitefly are occasional visitors. As a tender tropical, it rarely encounters outdoor garden pests, making spider mites the predominant concern for most growers.
How do I get rid of spider mites on crossandra (firecracker flower)?
Pale stippling and bronzing on leaves; fine webbing between stems; foliage may curl and drop in severe infestations. Mist foliage frequently to raise humidity; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days; move away from heat sources.
How do I get rid of aphids on crossandra (firecracker flower)?
Soft-bodied insects clustered on new shoots and flower buds; sticky honeydew and distorted growth. Rinse off with water; treat with insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly until clear.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on crossandra (firecracker flower)?
White cottony deposits at leaf axils and stem nodes; weakens plant and produces honeydew. Dab with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; follow up with neem oil spray. Isolate the plant to prevent spread.