Pest identification
What's eating my red prayer plant?
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny pale dots and webbing on leaf undersides; the vivid red veining becomes dull and faded
Control: Mist foliage or use a pebble tray for humidity; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly for 3 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony tufts at stem joints; honeydew and black sooty mould on leaves
Control: Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol, then spray plant with neem oil solution; repeat every 7 days
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae eat young roots; adults swarm the soil surface under humid conditions
Control: Improve drainage, let the top layer of soil dry, use Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis drench and yellow sticky traps
Keep red prayer plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Red Prayer Plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my red prayer plant?
Red Prayer Plant thrives in humid conditions indoors but is highly susceptible to spider mites when air is dry, and to mealybugs sheltering in its dense leaf axils. Fungus gnats breed in its moist growing medium. Consistent humidity above 50% and proper watering discipline prevent most problems.
How do I get rid of spider mites on red prayer plant?
Tiny pale dots and webbing on leaf undersides; the vivid red veining becomes dull and faded Mist foliage or use a pebble tray for humidity; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on red prayer plant?
White cottony tufts at stem joints; honeydew and black sooty mould on leaves Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol, then spray plant with neem oil solution; repeat every 7 days
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on red prayer plant?
Larvae eat young roots; adults swarm the soil surface under humid conditions Improve drainage, let the top layer of soil dry, use Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis drench and yellow sticky traps