Pest identification
What's eating my guzmania?
Scale insects
Signs: Hard or soft brown bumps at leaf bases; sticky honeydew and sooty mould on leaves.
Control: Wipe off with a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray; repeat every 10 days.
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits at leaf bases and inside the central cup; weakened, yellowing leaves.
Control: Flush the cup with clean water to dislodge bugs; apply diluted neem oil; isolate the plant.
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale flecking on leaf surfaces; barely visible webbing; foliage loses lustre in dry conditions.
Control: Increase humidity; mist foliage (avoid standing water in cup if plant is in flower); apply insecticidal soap.
Keep guzmania pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Guzmania pests — FAQ
What is eating my guzmania?
Guzmania bromeliads are relatively pest-resistant, but scale insects and mealybugs exploit the sheltered rosette and central cup. Spider mites can appear in dry indoor air. The most common and damaging nuisance is scale, which clusters along the base of leaves. Good air circulation and avoiding over-wet foliage are key preventive measures.
How do I get rid of scale insects on guzmania?
Hard or soft brown bumps at leaf bases; sticky honeydew and sooty mould on leaves. Wipe off with a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray; repeat every 10 days.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on guzmania?
White cottony deposits at leaf bases and inside the central cup; weakened, yellowing leaves. Flush the cup with clean water to dislodge bugs; apply diluted neem oil; isolate the plant.
How do I get rid of spider mites on guzmania?
Fine pale flecking on leaf surfaces; barely visible webbing; foliage loses lustre in dry conditions. Increase humidity; mist foliage (avoid standing water in cup if plant is in flower); apply insecticidal soap.