Pest identification
What's eating my hoya 'mathilde'?
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white deposits at stem joints and leaf axils; sticky honeydew attracts mold
Control: Remove manually with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray entire plant with neem oil solution and repeat weekly
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves may curl in low humidity
Control: Rinse plant in the shower, apply insecticidal soap spray; boost humidity to deter re-infestation
Aphids
Signs: Soft green or black insects on new growth tips; distorted, sticky leaves
Control: Blast off with water, then apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days
Keep hoya 'mathilde' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Hoya 'Mathilde' pests — FAQ
What is eating my hoya 'mathilde'?
Hoya 'Mathilde' is most vulnerable to mealybugs lurking in its dense trailing vines and leaf joints. Spider mites and aphids can also colonize new growth. Inspect the plant every week, especially where stems cluster, and treat infestations promptly with alcohol swabs or insecticidal soap.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on hoya 'mathilde'?
Fluffy white deposits at stem joints and leaf axils; sticky honeydew attracts mold Remove manually with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray entire plant with neem oil solution and repeat weekly
How do I get rid of spider mites on hoya 'mathilde'?
Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves may curl in low humidity Rinse plant in the shower, apply insecticidal soap spray; boost humidity to deter re-infestation
How do I get rid of aphids on hoya 'mathilde'?
Soft green or black insects on new growth tips; distorted, sticky leaves Blast off with water, then apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days