Pest identification
What's eating my fittonia albivenis 'red anne'?
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adult gnats hover around the soil surface; larvae chew fine roots causing wilting and poor vigor
Control: Let the top inch of soil dry slightly before watering; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) soil drench; use yellow sticky traps
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny pale speckles on the patterned leaves; fine webbing on undersides; leaves lose color and vitality
Control: Raise humidity (ideal in a terrarium), mist regularly, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 5–7 days
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy deposits at leaf nodes and stem joints; stunted new leaves and sticky honeydew
Control: Remove carefully with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab; treat the whole plant with neem oil solution; repeat weekly
Keep fittonia albivenis 'red anne' 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 'red anne' problems & fixes
- Fittonia albivenis 'Red Anne' watering schedule
- Fittonia albivenis 'Red Anne' light requirements
- Full fittonia albivenis 'red anne' care guide
Fittonia albivenis 'Red Anne' pests — FAQ
What is eating my fittonia albivenis 'red anne'?
Fittonia 'Red Anne' (nerve plant) is a delicate tropical groundcover grown as a terrarium or humidity-loving houseplant. Fungus gnats are the most common problem due to its need for consistently moist soil. Spider mites and mealybugs attack in drier conditions. Its small size means infestations can spread rapidly — check leaf undersides weekly.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on fittonia albivenis 'red anne'?
Adult gnats hover around the soil surface; larvae chew fine roots causing wilting and poor vigor Let the top inch of soil dry slightly before watering; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) soil drench; use yellow sticky traps
How do I get rid of spider mites on fittonia albivenis 'red anne'?
Tiny pale speckles on the patterned leaves; fine webbing on undersides; leaves lose color and vitality Raise humidity (ideal in a terrarium), mist regularly, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of mealybugs on fittonia albivenis 'red anne'?
White fluffy deposits at leaf nodes and stem joints; stunted new leaves and sticky honeydew Remove carefully with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab; treat the whole plant with neem oil solution; repeat weekly