Growli

Pest identification

What's eating my peperomia obtusifolia 'marble'?

Mealybugs

Signs: Cottony white deposits in leaf axils and along stems; honeydew and yellowing leaves.

Control: Dab directly with 70% isopropyl alcohol; wipe the glossy leaves clean; repeat weekly and spray with neem oil as a preventive.

Spider mites

Signs: Fine stippling on the upper leaf surface; webbing at stem tips in low-humidity conditions.

Control: Shower the plant under lukewarm water; treat with insecticidal soap spray; maintain humidity above 45%.

Soft scale

Signs: Small brown waxy bumps fixed to stems; sooty mold develops on honeydew beneath.

Control: Scrape off manually with a toothbrush dipped in soapy water; treat remaining scale with horticultural oil; repeat in 10–14 days.

Keep peperomia obtusifolia 'marble' pest-free

Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:

Peperomia obtusifolia 'Marble' pests — FAQ

What is eating my peperomia obtusifolia 'marble'?

Peperomia obtusifolia 'Marble' is a popular, glossy-leaved indoor peperomia. Its smooth, waxy leaves make it harder for pests to grip than textured varieties, but mealybugs are still the leading threat, sheltering where leaves meet stems. Spider mites and scale can appear. Fungus gnats exploit overwatered soil. Easy to manage with prompt treatment.

How do I get rid of mealybugs on peperomia obtusifolia 'marble'?

Cottony white deposits in leaf axils and along stems; honeydew and yellowing leaves. Dab directly with 70% isopropyl alcohol; wipe the glossy leaves clean; repeat weekly and spray with neem oil as a preventive.

How do I get rid of spider mites on peperomia obtusifolia 'marble'?

Fine stippling on the upper leaf surface; webbing at stem tips in low-humidity conditions. Shower the plant under lukewarm water; treat with insecticidal soap spray; maintain humidity above 45%.

How do I get rid of soft scale on peperomia obtusifolia 'marble'?

Small brown waxy bumps fixed to stems; sooty mold develops on honeydew beneath. Scrape off manually with a toothbrush dipped in soapy water; treat remaining scale with horticultural oil; repeat in 10–14 days.