Pest identification
What's eating my peperomia orba?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony colonies at stem bases and leaf axils; honeydew makes leaves sticky
Control: Treat infested spots with isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil foliar spray on a weekly cycle for at least a month
Spider mites
Signs: Yellowing and stippling of leaves; fine webbing under leaf surfaces in dry conditions
Control: Rinse plant thoroughly, increase local humidity, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae feed on roots in wet compost, causing wilting and yellowing
Control: Water only when the top 1–2 inches of compost are dry; use yellow sticky traps; drench soil with Bti solution
Keep peperomia orba pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Peperomia orba pests — FAQ
What is eating my peperomia orba?
Peperomia orba is a compact, bushy houseplant that is generally easy to care for but susceptible to mealybugs in the crowded leaf axils. Spider mites can also strike in low-humidity rooms. Overwatering is a bigger risk than any pest, but soggy compost creates ideal conditions for fungus gnats.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on peperomia orba?
White cottony colonies at stem bases and leaf axils; honeydew makes leaves sticky Treat infested spots with isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil foliar spray on a weekly cycle for at least a month
How do I get rid of spider mites on peperomia orba?
Yellowing and stippling of leaves; fine webbing under leaf surfaces in dry conditions Rinse plant thoroughly, increase local humidity, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on peperomia orba?
Larvae feed on roots in wet compost, causing wilting and yellowing Water only when the top 1–2 inches of compost are dry; use yellow sticky traps; drench soil with Bti solution