Pest identification
What's eating my peperomia glabella?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses at leaf axils and stem nodes; sticky honeydew on pot and shelf; leaves yellow and drop
Control: Remove with alcohol swab; spray entire plant with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; isolate from other houseplants
Spider mites
Signs: Dull or stippled leaves; thin webbing across stems; most severe when indoor air is dry and warm
Control: Boost humidity; rinse plant under lukewarm shower; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 7 days
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae damage fine roots in consistently moist compost; adults are visible near the soil surface
Control: Reduce watering frequency; allow top inch of soil to dry; use Bti soil drench to kill larvae
Keep peperomia glabella pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Peperomia glabella pests — FAQ
What is eating my peperomia glabella?
Peperomia glabella is a trailing or creeping houseplant with smooth, bright-green oval leaves. Mealybugs are the most frequent pest, clustering at nodes along the wiry stems. Spider mites can appear in dry conditions. Fungus gnats thrive if soil stays wet. This fast-growing species benefits from regular check-overs at repotting time.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on peperomia glabella?
White cottony masses at leaf axils and stem nodes; sticky honeydew on pot and shelf; leaves yellow and drop Remove with alcohol swab; spray entire plant with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; isolate from other houseplants
How do I get rid of spider mites on peperomia glabella?
Dull or stippled leaves; thin webbing across stems; most severe when indoor air is dry and warm Boost humidity; rinse plant under lukewarm shower; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 7 days
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on peperomia glabella?
Larvae damage fine roots in consistently moist compost; adults are visible near the soil surface Reduce watering frequency; allow top inch of soil to dry; use Bti soil drench to kill larvae