Pest identification
What's eating my raindrop peperomia?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony tufts under leaf margins and at stem bases; leaves yellow and drop if untreated
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with neem oil solution; repeat every 7 days for a month
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae damage fine roots; yellowing, wilting despite moist soil; adults hovering around soil surface
Control: Let top 2 inches of soil dry completely; apply Bti drench; use sticky yellow traps to reduce adult population
Spider mites
Signs: Faint stippling on leaf tops; dry and bronzed appearance; fine webbing under leaves in severe cases
Control: Increase ambient humidity; wipe leaves with damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap spray weekly until clear
Keep raindrop peperomia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Raindrop Peperomia pests — FAQ
What is eating my raindrop peperomia?
Raindrop Peperomia is relatively pest-resistant but mealybugs are its most common foe, sheltering under the thick, glossy leaves. Fungus gnats thrive if the chunky mix stays too wet. Spider mites occasionally attack in dry winter conditions. Its succulent-like leaves store water, so let soil dry well between waterings to avoid rot-driven pest pressure.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on raindrop peperomia?
White cottony tufts under leaf margins and at stem bases; leaves yellow and drop if untreated Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with neem oil solution; repeat every 7 days for a month
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on raindrop peperomia?
Larvae damage fine roots; yellowing, wilting despite moist soil; adults hovering around soil surface Let top 2 inches of soil dry completely; apply Bti drench; use sticky yellow traps to reduce adult population
How do I get rid of spider mites on raindrop peperomia?
Faint stippling on leaf tops; dry and bronzed appearance; fine webbing under leaves in severe cases Increase ambient humidity; wipe leaves with damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap spray weekly until clear