Pest identification
What's eating my lace flower vine?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy clusters on stems, stolons, and leaf bases; sticky honeydew and weakened flowering
Control: Dab each colony with a rubbing-alcohol swab; spray the entire plant with diluted neem oil; repeat every 7 days until clear
Spider mites
Signs: Fine stippling or bronzing on leaf surfaces; delicate webbing across leaf joints in severe cases
Control: Raise humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier; apply insecticidal soap spray to all surfaces; repeat weekly for 3 cycles
Fungus gnats
Signs: Root feeding by larvae causes wilting and poor growth; adult flies hover around potting mix
Control: Avoid waterlogging; allow the surface to dry; treat with Bti soil drench; use yellow sticky traps for adults
Keep lace flower vine pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Lace Flower Vine pests — FAQ
What is eating my lace flower vine?
Lace Flower Vine is a delicate trailing Episcia grown indoors for its white fringed flowers. Mealybugs are the most common threat, clustering on its creeping stems and runners. Spider mites appear in dry conditions. The plant's preference for high humidity protects it somewhat but requires vigilance against fungal issues and sap-sucking insects.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on lace flower vine?
White waxy clusters on stems, stolons, and leaf bases; sticky honeydew and weakened flowering Dab each colony with a rubbing-alcohol swab; spray the entire plant with diluted neem oil; repeat every 7 days until clear
How do I get rid of spider mites on lace flower vine?
Fine stippling or bronzing on leaf surfaces; delicate webbing across leaf joints in severe cases Raise humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier; apply insecticidal soap spray to all surfaces; repeat weekly for 3 cycles
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on lace flower vine?
Root feeding by larvae causes wilting and poor growth; adult flies hover around potting mix Avoid waterlogging; allow the surface to dry; treat with Bti soil drench; use yellow sticky traps for adults