Pest identification
What's eating my fittonia 'frankie'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy fluff at leaf axils and stem nodes; infested leaves look sticky and may yellow; heavily colonised plants wilt.
Control: Dab each colony with a 70% isopropyl alcohol swab; spray the entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly for a month.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae attack fine surface roots in the consistently damp compost; plants wilt for no apparent reason; adults hover around the soil.
Control: Reduce watering frequency; apply a Bti biological drench; in terrariums, allow a brief surface dry-out cycle between applications.
Spider mites
Signs: Upper leaf surfaces develop pale speckles and the vivid pink venation on 'Frankie' appears washed out; webbing may be seen underneath.
Control: Mist foliage to raise humidity; apply insecticidal soap or dilute neem oil spray every 5–7 days for 3 consecutive weeks.
Keep fittonia 'frankie' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Fittonia 'Frankie' pests — FAQ
What is eating my fittonia 'frankie'?
Fittonia 'Frankie' (Fittonia albivenis) is a compact terrarium favourite most plagued by mealybugs, which hide in the dense, moisture-trapping foliage. Fungus gnats thrive in its perpetually moist soil. Spider mites and aphids occur in drier open-air conditions. Inspect between leaves and along the shallow stems regularly.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on fittonia 'frankie'?
White waxy fluff at leaf axils and stem nodes; infested leaves look sticky and may yellow; heavily colonised plants wilt. Dab each colony with a 70% isopropyl alcohol swab; spray the entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly for a month.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on fittonia 'frankie'?
Larvae attack fine surface roots in the consistently damp compost; plants wilt for no apparent reason; adults hover around the soil. Reduce watering frequency; apply a Bti biological drench; in terrariums, allow a brief surface dry-out cycle between applications.
How do I get rid of spider mites on fittonia 'frankie'?
Upper leaf surfaces develop pale speckles and the vivid pink venation on 'Frankie' appears washed out; webbing may be seen underneath. Mist foliage to raise humidity; apply insecticidal soap or dilute neem oil spray every 5–7 days for 3 consecutive weeks.