Pest identification
What's eating my pilea nummulariifolia?
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny yellow specks across leaves; fine webbing along trailing stems; leaves bronze and drop.
Control: Increase humidity; spray entire plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days for 3 applications.
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy colonies along stems and at leaf bases; honeydew attracts mold; plant looks weak.
Control: Dab alcohol onto colonies; spray with diluted neem oil; trim heavily infested stems and dispose of them.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adult flies around pot; root-feeding larvae cause yellowing and poor vigor.
Control: Allow soil surface to dry out; use sticky yellow traps; treat with Bti or neem soil drench.
Keep pilea nummulariifolia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pilea nummulariifolia pests — FAQ
What is eating my pilea nummulariifolia?
Pilea nummulariifolia (Creeping Charlie) is a trailing houseplant most threatened by spider mites, which thrive in warm, dry indoor air. Mealybugs hide along trailing stems and leaf axils. Fungus gnats can be a nuisance if soil stays waterlogged. The dense trailing habit makes early detection important.
How do I get rid of spider mites on pilea nummulariifolia?
Tiny yellow specks across leaves; fine webbing along trailing stems; leaves bronze and drop. Increase humidity; spray entire plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days for 3 applications.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on pilea nummulariifolia?
White fluffy colonies along stems and at leaf bases; honeydew attracts mold; plant looks weak. Dab alcohol onto colonies; spray with diluted neem oil; trim heavily infested stems and dispose of them.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on pilea nummulariifolia?
Adult flies around pot; root-feeding larvae cause yellowing and poor vigor. Allow soil surface to dry out; use sticky yellow traps; treat with Bti or neem soil drench.