Pest identification
What's eating my cryptanthus zonatus?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white fluff wedged between the zebra-patterned leaves; plant grows slowly and leaves lose color.
Control: Probe between leaves with an alcohol-dipped swab; spray with dilute neem oil solution weekly until clear.
Scale insects
Signs: Tan or brown immobile bumps on the undersides of the banded leaves; honeydew makes leaves sticky.
Control: Lift each affected scale with a toothpick; wipe the area with isopropyl alcohol and monitor closely.
Spider mites
Signs: Pale flecking and a dusty look on the patterned leaf surfaces; webbing visible at leaf edges in dry air.
Control: Mist the plant and raise ambient humidity; treat with insecticidal soap spray, repeating every 5 days.
Keep cryptanthus zonatus pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Cryptanthus zonatus pests — FAQ
What is eating my cryptanthus zonatus?
Cryptanthus zonatus's bold, banded, wavy leaves can harbor mealybugs and scale between their layers. Spider mites may develop in warm, dry rooms. Because the rosette is low and dense, pests can go unnoticed until damage is advanced. Inspect the base of every leaf monthly and treat at first sight.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on cryptanthus zonatus?
Cottony white fluff wedged between the zebra-patterned leaves; plant grows slowly and leaves lose color. Probe between leaves with an alcohol-dipped swab; spray with dilute neem oil solution weekly until clear.
How do I get rid of scale insects on cryptanthus zonatus?
Tan or brown immobile bumps on the undersides of the banded leaves; honeydew makes leaves sticky. Lift each affected scale with a toothpick; wipe the area with isopropyl alcohol and monitor closely.
How do I get rid of spider mites on cryptanthus zonatus?
Pale flecking and a dusty look on the patterned leaf surfaces; webbing visible at leaf edges in dry air. Mist the plant and raise ambient humidity; treat with insecticidal soap spray, repeating every 5 days.