Pest identification
What's eating my amaryllis 'papilio'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses at bulb neck and down into root zone; leaves lose colour and become floppy
Control: Remove with alcohol-dampened swab; drench bulb neck with diluted neem oil; repeat every 10–14 days
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale stippling on evergreen leaves; papery texture and faint webbing in dry, warm rooms
Control: Increase humidity around the plant; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly
Scale insects
Signs: Flat brown or yellow bumps on leaf midribs and stems; honeydew and sooty mould on foliage
Control: Scrape off with a soft brush; treat with horticultural oil spray; repeat fortnightly
Keep amaryllis 'papilio' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Amaryllis 'Papilio' pests — FAQ
What is eating my amaryllis 'papilio'?
Hippeastrum papilio (the butterfly amaryllis) is an indoor/conservatory plant susceptible to the standard Hippeastrum pests. Mealybugs colonise bulb scales. Its long strappy leaves attract spider mites in dry air. As an evergreen species, it is more exposed to year-round pest pressure than deciduous Hippeastrum cultivars.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on amaryllis 'papilio'?
White cottony masses at bulb neck and down into root zone; leaves lose colour and become floppy Remove with alcohol-dampened swab; drench bulb neck with diluted neem oil; repeat every 10–14 days
How do I get rid of spider mites on amaryllis 'papilio'?
Fine pale stippling on evergreen leaves; papery texture and faint webbing in dry, warm rooms Increase humidity around the plant; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly
How do I get rid of scale insects on amaryllis 'papilio'?
Flat brown or yellow bumps on leaf midribs and stems; honeydew and sooty mould on foliage Scrape off with a soft brush; treat with horticultural oil spray; repeat fortnightly