Pest identification
What's eating my cuming's medinilla?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils and stem joints; leaves yellow and drop
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat weekly for 4 weeks
Spider mites
Signs: Fine stippling on leaves, bronzed foliage, and fine webbing under leaves in dry air
Control: Raise humidity, rinse foliage with water, apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray; repeat every 5–7 days
Soft scale
Signs: Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems; sticky honeydew and sooty mould on leaves below
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water; follow with horticultural oil spray
Keep cuming's medinilla pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Cuming's Medinilla pests — FAQ
What is eating my cuming's medinilla?
Cuming's Medinilla is an indoor tropical susceptible to sap-sucking pests in warm, humid conditions. Mealybugs are the primary threat, clustering in leaf axils and along stems. Spider mites attack in dry air, while scale insects can colonize woody stems. Inspect regularly and isolate new plants before introducing them to your collection.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on cuming's medinilla?
White cottony clusters in leaf axils and stem joints; leaves yellow and drop Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat weekly for 4 weeks
How do I get rid of spider mites on cuming's medinilla?
Fine stippling on leaves, bronzed foliage, and fine webbing under leaves in dry air Raise humidity, rinse foliage with water, apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray; repeat every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of soft scale on cuming's medinilla?
Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems; sticky honeydew and sooty mould on leaves below Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water; follow with horticultural oil spray