Pest identification
What's eating my pilea pumila?
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, faded leaves; webbing on undersides; leaves drop in severe cases.
Control: Rinse foliage; apply insecticidal soap spray weekly; raise ambient humidity above 50%.
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied insects clustered on new growth; distorted, curled young leaves; sticky honeydew.
Control: Blast off with water spray; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat until infestation clears.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae in soil eating roots; adults flying near the pot; wilting despite moist soil.
Control: Reduce watering; use sticky traps; drench with Bti solution.
Keep pilea pumila pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pilea pumila pests — FAQ
What is eating my pilea pumila?
Pilea pumila (Clearweed) grown as a houseplant is susceptible to spider mites and aphids, which target its soft, thin leaves. Fungus gnats breed in moist soil. This species is less commonly cultivated indoors, but when it is, the typical Pilea pest suite applies — monitor closely in low-humidity environments.
How do I get rid of spider mites on pilea pumila?
Stippled, faded leaves; webbing on undersides; leaves drop in severe cases. Rinse foliage; apply insecticidal soap spray weekly; raise ambient humidity above 50%.
How do I get rid of aphids on pilea pumila?
Soft-bodied insects clustered on new growth; distorted, curled young leaves; sticky honeydew. Blast off with water spray; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat until infestation clears.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on pilea pumila?
Larvae in soil eating roots; adults flying near the pot; wilting despite moist soil. Reduce watering; use sticky traps; drench with Bti solution.