Pest identification
What's eating my homalomena maggy?
Spider mites
Signs: Webbing on leaf undersides; bronze stippling across the leaf surface; early leaf drop
Control: Increase humidity above 50%; shower foliage weekly; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to undersides
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses in leaf sheaths and at stem joints; sticky honeydew deposits
Control: Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply diluted neem oil spray; isolate plant and repeat every 7 days
Thrips
Signs: Silver-streaked, papery patches on leaves; distorted new growth; tiny dark excrement spots
Control: Remove severely affected leaves; spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap; repeat every 5–7 days for 3–4 weeks
Keep homalomena maggy pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Homalomena Maggy pests — FAQ
What is eating my homalomena maggy?
Homalomena 'Maggy' is susceptible to the same indoor aroid pests as other Homalomena cultivars. Spider mites are the primary threat in centrally heated rooms with low humidity. Mealybugs colonise leaf sheaths, and thrips can scar the decorative foliage. Maintain humidity, inspect weekly, and act at the first sign of webbing or stippling.
How do I get rid of spider mites on homalomena maggy?
Webbing on leaf undersides; bronze stippling across the leaf surface; early leaf drop Increase humidity above 50%; shower foliage weekly; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to undersides
How do I get rid of mealybugs on homalomena maggy?
White cottony masses in leaf sheaths and at stem joints; sticky honeydew deposits Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply diluted neem oil spray; isolate plant and repeat every 7 days
How do I get rid of thrips on homalomena maggy?
Silver-streaked, papery patches on leaves; distorted new growth; tiny dark excrement spots Remove severely affected leaves; spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap; repeat every 5–7 days for 3–4 weeks