Pest identification
What's eating my hoya paxtonii?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy deposits at stem joints and leaf axils; plant produces sticky honeydew and may show sooty mold
Control: Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; apply diluted neem oil spray to all surfaces; repeat weekly until clear
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and dulled leaf surfaces; fine webbing around stem tips; foliage may bronze in heavy infestations
Control: Shower plant with tepid water; apply insecticidal soap every 5–7 days; maintain room humidity above 50%
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of small insects on new growth and near flower buds; leaves curl and drip sticky honeydew
Control: Rinse off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat checks weekly until absent
Keep hoya paxtonii pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Hoya Paxtonii pests — FAQ
What is eating my hoya paxtonii?
Hoya paxtonii is a trailing or climbing indoor hoya with slightly succulent leaves. Mealybugs are the primary pest risk, particularly at leaf axils and stem nodes. Spider mites can develop rapidly in warm, dry rooms. Aphids occasionally attack softer new growth and flower buds in spring.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on hoya paxtonii?
White waxy deposits at stem joints and leaf axils; plant produces sticky honeydew and may show sooty mold Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; apply diluted neem oil spray to all surfaces; repeat weekly until clear
How do I get rid of spider mites on hoya paxtonii?
Pale stippling and dulled leaf surfaces; fine webbing around stem tips; foliage may bronze in heavy infestations Shower plant with tepid water; apply insecticidal soap every 5–7 days; maintain room humidity above 50%
How do I get rid of aphids on hoya paxtonii?
Clusters of small insects on new growth and near flower buds; leaves curl and drip sticky honeydew Rinse off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat checks weekly until absent