Pest identification
What's eating my pilea pubescens?
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, silvery patches on hairy leaf surfaces; fine webbing; leaves lose texture and color.
Control: Apply diluted neem oil spray carefully, avoiding saturation of fuzzy leaves; increase humidity; repeat weekly.
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony colonies hidden in pubescent leaf surfaces and stem joints; sticky honeydew.
Control: Use an alcohol-soaked cotton swab to remove colonies; follow with a light neem oil treatment; isolate plant.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adult flies near soil; root-feeding larvae cause leaf yellowing and wilting.
Control: Allow soil to dry between waterings; place yellow sticky traps; drench with Bti solution.
Keep pilea pubescens pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pilea pubescens pests — FAQ
What is eating my pilea pubescens?
Pilea pubescens is a soft, hairy-leaved houseplant whose velvety texture can trap dust and harbor spider mites. Mealybugs tuck into the dense leaf surfaces and stem nodes. Fungus gnats are a risk in moist soil conditions. The fuzzy leaves mean water-based sprays should be used carefully to avoid rotting.
How do I get rid of spider mites on pilea pubescens?
Stippled, silvery patches on hairy leaf surfaces; fine webbing; leaves lose texture and color. Apply diluted neem oil spray carefully, avoiding saturation of fuzzy leaves; increase humidity; repeat weekly.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on pilea pubescens?
White cottony colonies hidden in pubescent leaf surfaces and stem joints; sticky honeydew. Use an alcohol-soaked cotton swab to remove colonies; follow with a light neem oil treatment; isolate plant.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on pilea pubescens?
Adult flies near soil; root-feeding larvae cause leaf yellowing and wilting. Allow soil to dry between waterings; place yellow sticky traps; drench with Bti solution.