Pest identification
What's eating my hoya meliflua?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses at nodes, leaf axils, and near flower peduncles; weakened growth and honeydew
Control: Remove with isopropyl alcohol swabs; follow with neem oil spray weekly, paying attention to flower spurs
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, dulled leaves with webbing on undersides; worse in heated rooms during winter
Control: Wipe leaves, raise humidity, and apply insecticidal soap or dilute neem oil on a weekly schedule
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied insects on new growth and around buds; sticky honeydew and distorted shoot tips
Control: Rinse with water then apply insecticidal soap spray; repeat every 5–7 days until clear
Keep hoya meliflua pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Hoya Meliflua pests — FAQ
What is eating my hoya meliflua?
Hoya meliflua, prized for its fragrant blooms, is most commonly troubled by mealybugs and spider mites indoors. Aphids may target the soft flower-bearing growth. The sticky nectar from blooms can attract pests, so inspect peduncles and nearby stems carefully after flowering. Good ventilation and monthly checks keep this species in good health.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on hoya meliflua?
White cottony masses at nodes, leaf axils, and near flower peduncles; weakened growth and honeydew Remove with isopropyl alcohol swabs; follow with neem oil spray weekly, paying attention to flower spurs
How do I get rid of spider mites on hoya meliflua?
Stippled, dulled leaves with webbing on undersides; worse in heated rooms during winter Wipe leaves, raise humidity, and apply insecticidal soap or dilute neem oil on a weekly schedule
How do I get rid of aphids on hoya meliflua?
Soft-bodied insects on new growth and around buds; sticky honeydew and distorted shoot tips Rinse with water then apply insecticidal soap spray; repeat every 5–7 days until clear