Pest identification
What's eating my kohleria?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and bronzing of the velvety leaves; fine webbing on undersides; plant drops leaves in severe cases
Control: Increase humidity; avoid misting velvety leaves directly (water spots); apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to undersides carefully
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony fluff in leaf axils and along stems; weakens plant and causes leaf yellowing
Control: Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray neem oil; repeat every 7-10 days
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on tender new growth and flower buds; honeydew leads to sooty mold
Control: Remove manually; spray with insecticidal soap; introduce biological controls such as Aphidius wasps if growing indoors year-round
Keep kohleria pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Kohleria pests — FAQ
What is eating my kohleria?
Kohleria eriantha, a rhizomatous gesneriad grown as a tropical houseplant, is most affected by spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Its velvety leaves trap dust and pests. Spider mites in warm, dry indoor conditions are the primary threat, causing rapid bronzing of foliage if humidity is not maintained.
How do I get rid of spider mites on kohleria?
Pale stippling and bronzing of the velvety leaves; fine webbing on undersides; plant drops leaves in severe cases Increase humidity; avoid misting velvety leaves directly (water spots); apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to undersides carefully
How do I get rid of mealybugs on kohleria?
White cottony fluff in leaf axils and along stems; weakens plant and causes leaf yellowing Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray neem oil; repeat every 7-10 days
How do I get rid of aphids on kohleria?
Clusters on tender new growth and flower buds; honeydew leads to sooty mold Remove manually; spray with insecticidal soap; introduce biological controls such as Aphidius wasps if growing indoors year-round