Pest identification
What's eating my baby rubber plant?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony fluff in leaf axils and along stems; honeydew; leaves yellow in heavy infestations
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud; spray with insecticidal soap; repeat weekly until clear
Fungus gnats
Signs: Tiny flies hovering over soil; larvae damage roots if soil stays waterlogged, causing wilting
Control: Let the top 2 inches of soil dry before watering; apply Bti drench; yellow sticky traps catch adults
Spider mites
Signs: Fine stippling on waxy leaves in very dry indoor air; rare on healthy plants but can appear in winter
Control: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; mist occasionally; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if confirmed
Keep baby rubber plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Baby rubber plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my baby rubber plant?
Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) is one of the most pest-resistant houseplants, but mealybugs are its most likely attacker, hiding in leaf axils. Fungus gnats appear when soil is kept too wet. Its thick, waxy leaves deter spider mites, though they can occur in very dry conditions. Avoid overwatering to prevent most problems.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on baby rubber plant?
White cottony fluff in leaf axils and along stems; honeydew; leaves yellow in heavy infestations Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud; spray with insecticidal soap; repeat weekly until clear
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on baby rubber plant?
Tiny flies hovering over soil; larvae damage roots if soil stays waterlogged, causing wilting Let the top 2 inches of soil dry before watering; apply Bti drench; yellow sticky traps catch adults
How do I get rid of spider mites on baby rubber plant?
Fine stippling on waxy leaves in very dry indoor air; rare on healthy plants but can appear in winter Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; mist occasionally; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if confirmed