Pest identification
What's eating my ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant)?
Spider mites
Signs: Dull, finely stippled leaves; webbing visible on undersides under magnification
Control: Shower plant with lukewarm water; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil, covering undersides; repeat weekly for 3 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy tufts at nodes and petioles; leaf drop and yellowing
Control: Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with systemic neem oil drench for root mealybugs
Scale insects
Signs: Hard bumps on stems; honeydew and black sooty mold build up
Control: Manual removal with cotton swab and alcohol; apply horticultural oil and repeat in 2 weeks
Keep ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats rubber plant — the species this cultivar belongs to
- PictureThis alternatives — 7 plant ID apps compared
- Common ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) problems & fixes
- Ficus Abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) watering schedule
- Ficus Abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) light requirements
- Full ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) care guide
Ficus Abidjan (burgundy rubber plant) pests — FAQ
What is eating my ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant)?
Ficus Abidjan's very dark burgundy leaves can conceal spider mites and scale until damage is advanced. Like all rubber plants indoors, the main threats are spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Inspect stem joints and leaf undersides monthly — early detection prevents rapid colony build-up.
How do I get rid of spider mites on ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant)?
Dull, finely stippled leaves; webbing visible on undersides under magnification Shower plant with lukewarm water; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil, covering undersides; repeat weekly for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant)?
White waxy tufts at nodes and petioles; leaf drop and yellowing Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with systemic neem oil drench for root mealybugs
How do I get rid of scale insects on ficus abidjan (burgundy rubber plant)?
Hard bumps on stems; honeydew and black sooty mold build up Manual removal with cotton swab and alcohol; apply horticultural oil and repeat in 2 weeks