Pest identification
What's eating my nummularioides wax plant?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits in the dense leaf mat and stem nodes; honeydew; weakened trailing growth
Control: Dab alcohol on visible colonies; spray the whole plant with insecticidal soap; repeat weekly for 3 weeks; isolate
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny yellow specks across small leaves; webbing when infestation is heavy; leaves drop prematurely
Control: Raise humidity; rinse foliage; apply neem oil spray weekly; ensure good air circulation to discourage re-infestation
Aphids
Signs: Soft green or black insects on new growth and near flower buds; curled new leaves; sticky honeydew
Control: Spray off with water; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days until eliminated
Keep nummularioides wax plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Nummularioides Wax Plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my nummularioides wax plant?
The tiny, densely-packed leaves of Hoya nummularioides provide ideal shelter for mealybugs and spider mites. Its fragrant flowers can also draw aphids during indoor bloom periods. Regular inspection with a magnifying glass is worthwhile given the leaf density. Neem oil and insecticidal soap are the go-to treatments for all three pests.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on nummularioides wax plant?
White cottony deposits in the dense leaf mat and stem nodes; honeydew; weakened trailing growth Dab alcohol on visible colonies; spray the whole plant with insecticidal soap; repeat weekly for 3 weeks; isolate
How do I get rid of spider mites on nummularioides wax plant?
Tiny yellow specks across small leaves; webbing when infestation is heavy; leaves drop prematurely Raise humidity; rinse foliage; apply neem oil spray weekly; ensure good air circulation to discourage re-infestation
How do I get rid of aphids on nummularioides wax plant?
Soft green or black insects on new growth and near flower buds; curled new leaves; sticky honeydew Spray off with water; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days until eliminated