Pest identification
What's eating my curcuma alismatifolia?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves develop a silvery, stippled appearance and may yellow and drop
Control: Increase humidity, wipe leaves with a damp cloth, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly for 3 weeks
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of small soft insects on new shoots and buds; sticky honeydew deposits and distorted growth
Control: Knock off with a strong water jet; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs outdoors
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses at leaf axils and around the base of flower stems; yellowing and stunted new growth
Control: Dab individual colonies with a 70% isopropyl alcohol swab; follow with neem oil spray every 7–10 days
Keep curcuma alismatifolia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Curcuma Alismatifolia pests — FAQ
What is eating my curcuma alismatifolia?
Curcuma alismatifolia (Siam Tulip) is a tropical rhizomatous plant most troubled by spider mites and aphids indoors, and aphids plus caterpillars when grown outdoors in warm gardens. Check leaf undersides and new growth regularly. Rhizome rot from overwatering is often mistaken for a pest problem.
How do I get rid of spider mites on curcuma alismatifolia?
Fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves develop a silvery, stippled appearance and may yellow and drop Increase humidity, wipe leaves with a damp cloth, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of aphids on curcuma alismatifolia?
Clusters of small soft insects on new shoots and buds; sticky honeydew deposits and distorted growth Knock off with a strong water jet; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs outdoors
How do I get rid of mealybugs on curcuma alismatifolia?
White cottony masses at leaf axils and around the base of flower stems; yellowing and stunted new growth Dab individual colonies with a 70% isopropyl alcohol swab; follow with neem oil spray every 7–10 days