Pest identification
What's eating my pachystachys coccinea?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale speckling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves become dull and papery; flower spikes may abort
Control: Increase humidity; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days; shower the plant to dislodge mites physically
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy tufts along stems and in leaf axils; yellowing foliage and sticky honeydew encouraging sooty mould
Control: Swab with isopropyl alcohol; drench with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly for a month
Aphids
Signs: Green or black soft insects massed on shoot tips and flower bracts; distorted growth and sticky residue
Control: Knock off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps or ladybirds outdoors
Keep pachystachys coccinea pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pachystachys coccinea pests — FAQ
What is eating my pachystachys coccinea?
Pachystachys coccinea (cardinal's guard) is a tropical shrub with bold red flower spikes. Grown indoors or in warm gardens, it is most troubled by spider mites in dry conditions and mealybugs in stem joints. Outdoors, aphids target the lush new growth. Act at first sight: infestations spread quickly on this fast-growing plant.
How do I get rid of spider mites on pachystachys coccinea?
Pale speckling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves become dull and papery; flower spikes may abort Increase humidity; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days; shower the plant to dislodge mites physically
How do I get rid of mealybugs on pachystachys coccinea?
White waxy tufts along stems and in leaf axils; yellowing foliage and sticky honeydew encouraging sooty mould Swab with isopropyl alcohol; drench with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly for a month
How do I get rid of aphids on pachystachys coccinea?
Green or black soft insects massed on shoot tips and flower bracts; distorted growth and sticky residue Knock off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps or ladybirds outdoors