Pest identification
What's eating my peperomia verticillata?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew residue; distorted new growth
Control: Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; treat larger infestations with neem oil spray; isolate the plant
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae feed on roots in soggy soil, causing wilting and stunted growth; adults are a nuisance around the plant
Control: Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps for adults; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench for larvae
Spider mites
Signs: Fine stippling on leaves, silvery webbing on undersides; leaves may yellow and drop in heavy infestations
Control: Increase humidity around the plant; rinse foliage with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly until clear
Keep peperomia verticillata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Peperomia verticillata pests — FAQ
What is eating my peperomia verticillata?
Peperomia verticillata is a compact houseplant most troubled by mealybugs and fungus gnats. Its fleshy, whorled leaves attract mealybugs seeking plant sap, while overwatered soil invites fungus gnat larvae. Spider mites can appear in dry indoor conditions. Inspect regularly and avoid waterlogging the soil.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on peperomia verticillata?
White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew residue; distorted new growth Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; treat larger infestations with neem oil spray; isolate the plant
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on peperomia verticillata?
Larvae feed on roots in soggy soil, causing wilting and stunted growth; adults are a nuisance around the plant Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps for adults; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench for larvae
How do I get rid of spider mites on peperomia verticillata?
Fine stippling on leaves, silvery webbing on undersides; leaves may yellow and drop in heavy infestations Increase humidity around the plant; rinse foliage with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly until clear