Pest identification
What's eating my pilea mollis?
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, bronzed foliage; fine webbing between leaves and stems; leaves may curl and drop.
Control: Mist plant and raise humidity; spray thoroughly with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil every 7 days for 3 weeks; remove heavily infested leaves.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adult gnats hover around soil; larvae damage roots causing wilting and stunted growth.
Control: Let soil dry between waterings; use sticky yellow traps; drench soil with Bti solution or apply a layer of sand on top of the potting mix.
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy fluff at stem joints and leaf axils; sticky honeydew; yellowing leaves.
Control: Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swab; spray with neem oil; repeat weekly and isolate the plant.
Keep pilea mollis pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pilea mollis pests — FAQ
What is eating my pilea mollis?
Pilea mollis (Moon Valley Pilea) is most commonly attacked by spider mites and fungus gnats indoors. Its deeply textured leaves provide hiding spots for mites, and consistently moist soil attracts fungus gnat larvae. Mealybugs and aphids can also appear, especially on new growth.
How do I get rid of spider mites on pilea mollis?
Stippled, bronzed foliage; fine webbing between leaves and stems; leaves may curl and drop. Mist plant and raise humidity; spray thoroughly with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil every 7 days for 3 weeks; remove heavily infested leaves.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on pilea mollis?
Adult gnats hover around soil; larvae damage roots causing wilting and stunted growth. Let soil dry between waterings; use sticky yellow traps; drench soil with Bti solution or apply a layer of sand on top of the potting mix.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on pilea mollis?
White waxy fluff at stem joints and leaf axils; sticky honeydew; yellowing leaves. Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swab; spray with neem oil; repeat weekly and isolate the plant.