Pest identification
What's eating my episcia 'moss agate'?
Mealybug
Signs: White cottony clusters at leaf bases and along stolons; leaves yellow and growth stalls
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; treat all runners; follow with neem oil spray weekly for 3–4 weeks
Spider mite
Signs: Pale stippling on leaf surfaces; fine webbing on undersides; foliage looks faded or bronzed
Control: Mist foliage and raise humidity; wash leaves with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days
Fungus gnat
Signs: Larvae in moist soil nibble fine roots, causing wilting; adult flies are a nuisance near the plant
Control: Let soil surface dry slightly between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bti soil drench to eliminate larvae
Keep episcia 'moss agate' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Episcia 'Moss Agate' pests — FAQ
What is eating my episcia 'moss agate'?
Episcia 'Moss Agate' is a compact indoor gesneriad with patterned foliage most commonly attacked by mealybugs sheltering in its leaf axils and along its runners. Spider mites strike in low humidity. Fungus gnats breed in the moist conditions this plant prefers. Inspect stolons carefully — mealybugs hide deep in dense growth.
How do I get rid of mealybug on episcia 'moss agate'?
White cottony clusters at leaf bases and along stolons; leaves yellow and growth stalls Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; treat all runners; follow with neem oil spray weekly for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of spider mite on episcia 'moss agate'?
Pale stippling on leaf surfaces; fine webbing on undersides; foliage looks faded or bronzed Mist foliage and raise humidity; wash leaves with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of fungus gnat on episcia 'moss agate'?
Larvae in moist soil nibble fine roots, causing wilting; adult flies are a nuisance near the plant Let soil surface dry slightly between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bti soil drench to eliminate larvae