Pest identification
What's eating my hoya patella?
Mealybugs
Signs: Woolly white clusters in leaf axils; sticky honeydew attracts sooty mould; weakened growth
Control: Spot-treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray weekly for 4 weeks; isolate affected plants
Spider mites
Signs: Fine yellow stippling on leaf surfaces; webbing under leaves; leaves may dry and shrivel in heavy infestations
Control: Rinse with lukewarm water; treat with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil every 5–7 days
Scale insects
Signs: Flat or rounded brown bumps on stems; yellowing leaves; sticky secretions
Control: Remove physically with a soft brush soaked in alcohol; treat with horticultural oil monthly until clear
Keep hoya patella pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Hoya Patella pests — FAQ
What is eating my hoya patella?
Hoya patella, prized for its cup-shaped leaves, faces the same indoor pest pressures as other hoyas — chiefly mealybugs and spider mites. The succulent-like leaves can mask early mite damage. Check undersides regularly, especially in winter when indoor air is dry, and quarantine any new plant arrivals.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on hoya patella?
Woolly white clusters in leaf axils; sticky honeydew attracts sooty mould; weakened growth Spot-treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray weekly for 4 weeks; isolate affected plants
How do I get rid of spider mites on hoya patella?
Fine yellow stippling on leaf surfaces; webbing under leaves; leaves may dry and shrivel in heavy infestations Rinse with lukewarm water; treat with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on hoya patella?
Flat or rounded brown bumps on stems; yellowing leaves; sticky secretions Remove physically with a soft brush soaked in alcohol; treat with horticultural oil monthly until clear