What's eating my peace lily?

Peace lilies grown indoors face the greatest threat from mealybugs and spider mites. Their preference for humid conditions also makes them susceptible to fungus gnats when overwatered. Aphids occasionally colonise new flower spathes. Regular inspection of the crowded leaf bases — where pests hide — is essential.

Cottony white clusters deep in the crown and along stems; leaves yellow and blooms abort. Use an alcohol-tipped cotton swab at the base, follow with a full neem oil spray, and repeat every week for a month.

Stippled, dull leaves with webbing on undersides; plants in low humidity are at highest risk. Shower the plant, raise humidity, and spray insecticidal soap or neem oil on all surfaces weekly for 3–4 weeks.

Larvae damage fine roots, causing wilting and poor growth despite apparently adequate water. Allow soil surface to dry between waterings; apply Bti drench and yellow sticky traps for adults.

Soft green or black insects clustering on spathes and new leaves; distorts blooms and excretes honeydew. Knock off with water spray or neem oil; insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days until infestation clears.