Pest identification
What's eating my drymonia serrulata?
Mealybugs
Signs: White powdery masses in leaf axils and along stems; plant exudes sticky honeydew and vigor declines.
Control: Treat colonies with isopropyl alcohol on a swab; spray neem oil every 7–10 days; quarantine affected plants.
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny bronze or yellow speckling on leaves; webbing at stem junctions; leaves drop in severe cases.
Control: Rinse stems and foliage with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve humidity around the plant.
Aphids
Signs: Soft insects clustered on new growth; distorted buds and leaves; honeydew attracts ants indoors.
Control: Dislodge with a water spray; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil; inspect new growth weekly.
Keep drymonia serrulata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Drymonia serrulata pests — FAQ
What is eating my drymonia serrulata?
Drymonia serrulata is an epiphytic tropical gesneriad cultivated indoors for its tubular flowers. Mealybugs are the most persistent pest, colonizing the fleshy stems and leaf axils. Spider mites can be problematic in low humidity. Consistent moisture at the roots paired with good airflow prevents most indoor pest issues for this species.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on drymonia serrulata?
White powdery masses in leaf axils and along stems; plant exudes sticky honeydew and vigor declines. Treat colonies with isopropyl alcohol on a swab; spray neem oil every 7–10 days; quarantine affected plants.
How do I get rid of spider mites on drymonia serrulata?
Tiny bronze or yellow speckling on leaves; webbing at stem junctions; leaves drop in severe cases. Rinse stems and foliage with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve humidity around the plant.
How do I get rid of aphids on drymonia serrulata?
Soft insects clustered on new growth; distorted buds and leaves; honeydew attracts ants indoors. Dislodge with a water spray; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil; inspect new growth weekly.