Pest identification
What's eating my hoya solaniflora?
Mealybugs
Signs: White, waxy cottony clusters at leaf axils and along stems; plant weakens and may drop buds if untreated
Control: Dab individual insects with alcohol-soaked cotton; spray with diluted neem oil solution weekly for a month
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale speckling on leaves; webs across new growth in severe cases; leaves may curl or yellow
Control: Rinse plant thoroughly; spray with insecticidal soap every 7 days; raise room humidity above 50%
Scale insects
Signs: Small hard brown or tan lumps on stems; leaves yellowing and sticky to the touch
Control: Scrub off with a soft brush and soapy water; treat with horticultural oil and repeat after 10 days
Keep hoya solaniflora pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Hoya Solaniflora pests — FAQ
What is eating my hoya solaniflora?
Hoya solaniflora is a collector's hoya grown indoors and shares the pest vulnerabilities typical of the genus. Mealybugs are the most common pest, colonizing stem nodes. Spider mites can flare in low-humidity environments, and scale insects occasionally appear on woody stems.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on hoya solaniflora?
White, waxy cottony clusters at leaf axils and along stems; plant weakens and may drop buds if untreated Dab individual insects with alcohol-soaked cotton; spray with diluted neem oil solution weekly for a month
How do I get rid of spider mites on hoya solaniflora?
Fine pale speckling on leaves; webs across new growth in severe cases; leaves may curl or yellow Rinse plant thoroughly; spray with insecticidal soap every 7 days; raise room humidity above 50%
How do I get rid of scale insects on hoya solaniflora?
Small hard brown or tan lumps on stems; leaves yellowing and sticky to the touch Scrub off with a soft brush and soapy water; treat with horticultural oil and repeat after 10 days