Pest identification
What's eating my pilea aquarum?
Fungus gnats
Signs: Tiny black flies around soil; larvae chew fine roots, causing wilting and poor growth
Control: Allow top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench or yellow sticky traps
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on stems and leaf undersides; leaves turn pale, stippled, or bronze
Control: Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, increase humidity, and isolate affected plants
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters at leaf axils and stem joints; sticky honeydew and stunted growth
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; follow with neem oil spray weekly until clear
Keep pilea aquarum pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pilea aquarum pests — FAQ
What is eating my pilea aquarum?
Pilea aquarum is primarily threatened by common indoor pests. Fungus gnats attack roots when soil stays too wet, while spider mites and mealybugs feed on stems and leaves. Keep soil from staying waterlogged, inspect new plants before introducing them, and treat infestations promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on pilea aquarum?
Tiny black flies around soil; larvae chew fine roots, causing wilting and poor growth Allow top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench or yellow sticky traps
How do I get rid of spider mites on pilea aquarum?
Fine webbing on stems and leaf undersides; leaves turn pale, stippled, or bronze Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, increase humidity, and isolate affected plants
How do I get rid of mealybugs on pilea aquarum?
White cottony clusters at leaf axils and stem joints; sticky honeydew and stunted growth Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; follow with neem oil spray weekly until clear