Pest identification
What's eating my cyclamen 'victoria'?
Vine weevil
Signs: Larvae hollow out the tuber, causing sudden wilting and plant collapse; adults notch leaf margins
Control: Apply nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) in autumn when soil is above 5 °C; repot annually to check for grubs; use sticky barriers around pot
Cyclamen mites
Signs: Severely distorted, stunted leaves and buds; petals deformed or fail to open; microscopic pest barely visible to naked eye
Control: Discard heavily infested plants; treat early infestations with insecticidal soap or abamectin-based miticide; avoid misting foliage
Aphids
Signs: Soft insects under leaves and on petioles; sticky deposits; yellowing and curled foliage
Control: Wipe off manually or spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days
Keep cyclamen 'victoria' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Cyclamen 'Victoria' pests — FAQ
What is eating my cyclamen 'victoria'?
Cyclamen 'Victoria' is a cool-season indoor flowering plant. Vine weevil larvae are the most destructive pest, eating the tuber from beneath. Cyclamen mites cause distorted, stunted growth and are nearly invisible. Aphids cluster under leaves and in buds. Keeping the plant cool and avoiding overwatering reduces pest pressure significantly.
How do I get rid of vine weevil on cyclamen 'victoria'?
Larvae hollow out the tuber, causing sudden wilting and plant collapse; adults notch leaf margins Apply nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) in autumn when soil is above 5 °C; repot annually to check for grubs; use sticky barriers around pot
How do I get rid of cyclamen mites on cyclamen 'victoria'?
Severely distorted, stunted leaves and buds; petals deformed or fail to open; microscopic pest barely visible to naked eye Discard heavily infested plants; treat early infestations with insecticidal soap or abamectin-based miticide; avoid misting foliage
How do I get rid of aphids on cyclamen 'victoria'?
Soft insects under leaves and on petioles; sticky deposits; yellowing and curled foliage Wipe off manually or spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days