Pest identification
What's eating my net-vein camellia?
Tea scale (Fiorinia theae)
Signs: Dense white or grey scale on leaf undersides; yellowing, premature leaf drop, and stunted growth
Control: Spray with horticultural oil or neem oil at crawler emergence in spring; repeat at 3-week intervals
Vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus)
Signs: Notched leaf margins from adults; root-feeding grubs cause wilting, especially in containers
Control: Nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer; check root zone when repotting and destroy any grubs
Aphids
Signs: Sticky deposits and curled new foliage; sooty mould on honeydew below colonies
Control: Dislodge with water; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil spray; foster natural predators
Keep net-vein camellia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
net-vein camellia pests — FAQ
What is eating my net-vein camellia?
Net-vein camellia (Camellia reticulata) is a large-leaved species prone to tea scale on leaf undersides and vine weevil at the roots. Aphids attack new growth flushes and, in mild climates, leafhoppers may feeding on foliage. Early spring horticultural oil sprays give effective scale control.
How do I get rid of tea scale (fiorinia theae) on net-vein camellia?
Dense white or grey scale on leaf undersides; yellowing, premature leaf drop, and stunted growth Spray with horticultural oil or neem oil at crawler emergence in spring; repeat at 3-week intervals
How do I get rid of vine weevil (otiorhynchus sulcatus) on net-vein camellia?
Notched leaf margins from adults; root-feeding grubs cause wilting, especially in containers Nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer; check root zone when repotting and destroy any grubs
How do I get rid of aphids on net-vein camellia?
Sticky deposits and curled new foliage; sooty mould on honeydew below colonies Dislodge with water; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil spray; foster natural predators