Pest identification
What's eating my graptophyllum pictum?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils and stem joints; sticky honeydew and sooty mold on leaves
Control: Dab colonies with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with a neem oil spray; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks
Spider mites
Signs: Fine stippling on leaf surfaces, silvery or bronze sheen, fine webbing on undersides in heavy infestations
Control: Raise humidity, mist undersides of leaves, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days until clear
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems and leaf midribs; sticky honeydew beneath the plant
Control: Scrape off scales manually, then treat with horticultural oil or 70% isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth; repeat monthly
Keep graptophyllum pictum pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Graptophyllum pictum pests — FAQ
What is eating my graptophyllum pictum?
Graptophyllum pictum (caricature plant) is mainly troubled by sap-sucking insects common to tropical houseplants. Mealybugs are the most frequent threat, clustering in leaf axils and causing distorted, yellowing foliage. Spider mites attack in dry indoor air. Scale and aphids are occasional. Good airflow and regular inspection keep infestations in check.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on graptophyllum pictum?
White cottony clusters in leaf axils and stem joints; sticky honeydew and sooty mold on leaves Dab colonies with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with a neem oil spray; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of spider mites on graptophyllum pictum?
Fine stippling on leaf surfaces, silvery or bronze sheen, fine webbing on undersides in heavy infestations Raise humidity, mist undersides of leaves, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days until clear
How do I get rid of scale insects on graptophyllum pictum?
Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems and leaf midribs; sticky honeydew beneath the plant Scrape off scales manually, then treat with horticultural oil or 70% isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth; repeat monthly