Pest identification
What's eating my fittonia albivenis 'purple vein'?
Spider Mites
Signs: Stippled, washed-out colouring on the purple-veined leaves; webbing on undersides in dry indoor conditions.
Control: Keep humidity above 50%; spray leaf undersides with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until infestation clears.
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses at nodes and leaf bases; leaves may yellow and drop with heavy infestations.
Control: Remove manually with alcohol swab; apply neem soil drench; isolate the plant promptly.
Aphids
Signs: Soft green or black insects on new shoot tips cause distorted, sticky foliage.
Control: Rinse off with lukewarm water; apply insecticidal soap spray; check adjacent plants for spread.
Keep fittonia albivenis 'purple vein' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats fittonia — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common fittonia albivenis 'purple vein' problems & fixes
- Fittonia albivenis 'Purple Vein' watering schedule
- Fittonia albivenis 'Purple Vein' light requirements
- Full fittonia albivenis 'purple vein' care guide
Fittonia albivenis 'Purple Vein' pests — FAQ
What is eating my fittonia albivenis 'purple vein'?
Fittonia albivenis 'Purple Vein' is vulnerable to the same indoor pest pressures as all Fittonia: spider mites in dry air, mealybugs tucked into stem joints, and fungus gnats encouraged by overwatering. Aphids can attack tender new growth. The plant's love of humidity makes good airflow essential to avoid mite and mould problems simultaneously.
How do I get rid of spider mites on fittonia albivenis 'purple vein'?
Stippled, washed-out colouring on the purple-veined leaves; webbing on undersides in dry indoor conditions. Keep humidity above 50%; spray leaf undersides with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until infestation clears.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on fittonia albivenis 'purple vein'?
White cottony masses at nodes and leaf bases; leaves may yellow and drop with heavy infestations. Remove manually with alcohol swab; apply neem soil drench; isolate the plant promptly.
How do I get rid of aphids on fittonia albivenis 'purple vein'?
Soft green or black insects on new shoot tips cause distorted, sticky foliage. Rinse off with lukewarm water; apply insecticidal soap spray; check adjacent plants for spread.