Pest identification
What's eating my kalanchoe marmorata?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy fluff at leaf axils and stem joints; honeydew leading to sooty mould; poor new growth.
Control: Remove with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab; spray the whole plant with neem oil solution every seven to ten days until clear.
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan shell-like bumps on stems and midribs; yellowing leaves; sticky deposits below infested areas.
Control: Scrape off shells with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil or 70% isopropyl alcohol on a swab; repeat fortnightly for two months.
Spider mites
Signs: Fine stippling across leaf surfaces; barely visible webbing; leaves may curl and drop in severe cases.
Control: Increase humidity; wash foliage with insecticidal soap; repeat every five days until population collapses.
Keep kalanchoe marmorata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Kalanchoe Marmorata pests — FAQ
What is eating my kalanchoe marmorata?
Kalanchoe marmorata (penwiper plant) is most commonly attacked indoors by mealybugs and scale insects, which shelter in leaf crevices and along stems. Spider mites can flare in hot, dry rooms. Overwatering attracts fungus gnats. Inspect the undersides of the chunky, spotted leaves regularly for early signs.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on kalanchoe marmorata?
White waxy fluff at leaf axils and stem joints; honeydew leading to sooty mould; poor new growth. Remove with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab; spray the whole plant with neem oil solution every seven to ten days until clear.
How do I get rid of scale insects on kalanchoe marmorata?
Brown or tan shell-like bumps on stems and midribs; yellowing leaves; sticky deposits below infested areas. Scrape off shells with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil or 70% isopropyl alcohol on a swab; repeat fortnightly for two months.
How do I get rid of spider mites on kalanchoe marmorata?
Fine stippling across leaf surfaces; barely visible webbing; leaves may curl and drop in severe cases. Increase humidity; wash foliage with insecticidal soap; repeat every five days until population collapses.