Pest identification
What's eating my pilea serpyllacea?
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny pale speckles across minute leaves; webbing in dense growth; leaves shrivel and drop.
Control: Mist the plant regularly; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat every 7 days for 3 cycles.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adult gnats around the pot; root damage from larvae; drooping despite adequate watering.
Control: Allow soil to dry between waterings; use sticky yellow traps; apply Bti soil drench.
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy fluff in stem joints; honeydew residue; slow plant deterioration.
Control: Use an alcohol-dipped swab on colonies; follow with a neem oil spray; isolate from other plants.
Keep pilea serpyllacea pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pilea serpyllacea pests — FAQ
What is eating my pilea serpyllacea?
Pilea serpyllacea (Artillery Plant) is a small-leaved trailing houseplant most vulnerable to spider mites and fungus gnats. Its fine, dense foliage can conceal mite colonies until damage is visible. Mealybugs occasionally infest stem joints. Maintain good humidity and avoid waterlogging soil to keep this plant healthy.
How do I get rid of spider mites on pilea serpyllacea?
Tiny pale speckles across minute leaves; webbing in dense growth; leaves shrivel and drop. Mist the plant regularly; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat every 7 days for 3 cycles.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on pilea serpyllacea?
Adult gnats around the pot; root damage from larvae; drooping despite adequate watering. Allow soil to dry between waterings; use sticky yellow traps; apply Bti soil drench.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on pilea serpyllacea?
White waxy fluff in stem joints; honeydew residue; slow plant deterioration. Use an alcohol-dipped swab on colonies; follow with a neem oil spray; isolate from other plants.