Pest identification
What's eating my ruby cascade peperomia?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony patches at stem joints and where leaves meet the stem; leaves may yellow and drop
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; follow up with neem oil spray weekly for 3 weeks
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae eat fine roots and root hairs, causing wilting despite moist soil; adults hover around the pot
Control: Reduce watering frequency; apply a BTi biological drench and use yellow sticky traps for adults
Spider mites
Signs: Faint stippling on small round leaves; webbing visible under magnification in dry conditions
Control: Increase ambient humidity and treat with insecticidal soap spray, reaching undersides of leaves
Keep ruby cascade peperomia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Ruby Cascade Peperomia pests — FAQ
What is eating my ruby cascade peperomia?
Ruby Cascade Peperomia's succulent-like stems and semi-trailing habit make it relatively pest-resistant, but mealybugs and fungus gnats are the most frequent visitors. Overwatering is the real trigger — soggy soil invites both root-attacking gnat larvae and the humid micro-climate that mealybugs favour. Let the soil dry properly between waterings.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on ruby cascade peperomia?
White cottony patches at stem joints and where leaves meet the stem; leaves may yellow and drop Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; follow up with neem oil spray weekly for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on ruby cascade peperomia?
Larvae eat fine roots and root hairs, causing wilting despite moist soil; adults hover around the pot Reduce watering frequency; apply a BTi biological drench and use yellow sticky traps for adults
How do I get rid of spider mites on ruby cascade peperomia?
Faint stippling on small round leaves; webbing visible under magnification in dry conditions Increase ambient humidity and treat with insecticidal soap spray, reaching undersides of leaves