Pest identification
What's eating my ruby glow peperomia?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony deposits tucked into leaf folds and stem joints; sticky leaves; stunted growth
Control: Probe leaf grooves with an alcohol-tipped swab; drench with dilute neem oil; repeat every 7–10 days
Root mealybugs
Signs: Gradual unexplained wilting and yellowing despite correct care; white waxy coating visible on roots when repotted
Control: Remove all old soil; wash roots; soak in insecticidal soap solution; repot in fresh sterile mix
Fungus gnats
Signs: Root-feeding larvae cause sudden decline; adults hover at soil level
Control: Water only when soil is fully dry; add perlite to mix; use Bti drench and yellow sticky traps
Keep ruby glow peperomia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Ruby Glow Peperomia pests — FAQ
What is eating my ruby glow peperomia?
Ruby Glow Peperomia's succulent red-and-cream leaves are rarely troubled by pests, but mealybugs are the main threat, hiding in the groove between the folded leaf margins. Overwatering invites fungus gnats. Root mealybugs can infest the root zone undetected. Inspect the soil and stems at each watering and keep the mix very well draining.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on ruby glow peperomia?
Cottony deposits tucked into leaf folds and stem joints; sticky leaves; stunted growth Probe leaf grooves with an alcohol-tipped swab; drench with dilute neem oil; repeat every 7–10 days
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on ruby glow peperomia?
Gradual unexplained wilting and yellowing despite correct care; white waxy coating visible on roots when repotted Remove all old soil; wash roots; soak in insecticidal soap solution; repot in fresh sterile mix
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on ruby glow peperomia?
Root-feeding larvae cause sudden decline; adults hover at soil level Water only when soil is fully dry; add perlite to mix; use Bti drench and yellow sticky traps