Pest identification
What's eating my hoya parviflora?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits at leaf nodes and stem forks; honeydew and sooty mould on lower leaves
Control: Treat with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; follow with weekly neem oil sprays for 3–4 weeks
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, pale leaves; webbing visible between stems in severe infestations
Control: Increase humidity, rinse the plant thoroughly, and apply insecticidal soap every 5 days for three treatments
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adults hover around soil; larvae damage fine roots, causing wilting and slow growth
Control: Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; drench soil with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) if larvae are confirmed
Keep hoya parviflora pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Hoya Parviflora pests — FAQ
What is eating my hoya parviflora?
Hoya parviflora, a compact wax plant, is most commonly attacked by mealybugs indoors. Its dense small leaves and twiggy stems give mealybugs excellent hiding spots. Spider mites can also move in during dry winter months. Regular inspection and good airflow are the best first lines of defence.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on hoya parviflora?
White cottony deposits at leaf nodes and stem forks; honeydew and sooty mould on lower leaves Treat with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; follow with weekly neem oil sprays for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of spider mites on hoya parviflora?
Stippled, pale leaves; webbing visible between stems in severe infestations Increase humidity, rinse the plant thoroughly, and apply insecticidal soap every 5 days for three treatments
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on hoya parviflora?
Adults hover around soil; larvae damage fine roots, causing wilting and slow growth Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; drench soil with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) if larvae are confirmed