Pest identification
What's eating my pilea cadierei 'silver tree'?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling across leaf surface; fine webbing on undersides; leaves lose silvery variegation and look dull
Control: Increase ambient humidity; wipe leaves with insecticidal soap solution; repeat every 5–7 days for three weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy masses at stem nodes and leaf axils; honeydew and sooty mold follow
Control: Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol swab; spray entire plant with diluted neem oil weekly until eradicated
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of small green or black insects on soft new growth; leaf curl and sticky residue
Control: Knock off with a strong stream of water; spray with insecticidal soap; repeat as needed
Keep pilea cadierei 'silver tree' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats aluminum plant (watermelon pilea) — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common pilea cadierei 'silver tree' problems & fixes
- Pilea cadierei 'Silver Tree' watering schedule
- Pilea cadierei 'Silver Tree' light requirements
- Full pilea cadierei 'silver tree' care guide
Pilea cadierei 'Silver Tree' pests — FAQ
What is eating my pilea cadierei 'silver tree'?
Pilea cadierei 'Silver Tree' is targeted primarily by spider mites and mealybugs indoors. Its lush, succulent-textured leaves also attract aphids near windows. Overwatering invites fungus gnats. The silvery patterned leaves make webbing and sticky honeydew easy to spot early if you check leaf undersides during routine care.
How do I get rid of spider mites on pilea cadierei 'silver tree'?
Pale stippling across leaf surface; fine webbing on undersides; leaves lose silvery variegation and look dull Increase ambient humidity; wipe leaves with insecticidal soap solution; repeat every 5–7 days for three weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on pilea cadierei 'silver tree'?
White fluffy masses at stem nodes and leaf axils; honeydew and sooty mold follow Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol swab; spray entire plant with diluted neem oil weekly until eradicated
How do I get rid of aphids on pilea cadierei 'silver tree'?
Clusters of small green or black insects on soft new growth; leaf curl and sticky residue Knock off with a strong stream of water; spray with insecticidal soap; repeat as needed