Pest identification
What's eating my fittonia albivenis 'pink angel'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters appear at leaf axils and undersides; leaves yellow and the plant loses vigour
Control: Dab colonies with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil solution weekly; isolate the plant immediately to prevent spread
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Fine stippling on leaves; fine webbing on undersides in dry conditions; leaves bronze and drop
Control: Raise humidity above 60%; spray undersides with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat every five to seven days for three cycles
Fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.)
Signs: Larvae damage shallow roots in moist potting mix, causing sudden wilting despite adequate watering
Control: Allow the top centimetre of soil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bti-based soil drench (e.g. Gnatrol) for persistent infestations
Keep fittonia albivenis 'pink angel' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats fittonia — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common fittonia albivenis 'pink angel' problems & fixes
- Fittonia albivenis 'Pink Angel' watering schedule
- Fittonia albivenis 'Pink Angel' light requirements
- Full fittonia albivenis 'pink angel' care guide
Fittonia albivenis 'Pink Angel' pests — FAQ
What is eating my fittonia albivenis 'pink angel'?
Fittonia albivenis 'Pink Angel' is a compact terrarium and houseplant whose lush, moisture-loving foliage attracts mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats. Mealybugs are the most persistent threat indoors. High humidity and good air circulation reduce pressure from both mites and gnats.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on fittonia albivenis 'pink angel'?
White cottony clusters appear at leaf axils and undersides; leaves yellow and the plant loses vigour Dab colonies with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil solution weekly; isolate the plant immediately to prevent spread
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on fittonia albivenis 'pink angel'?
Fine stippling on leaves; fine webbing on undersides in dry conditions; leaves bronze and drop Raise humidity above 60%; spray undersides with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat every five to seven days for three cycles
How do I get rid of fungus gnats (bradysia spp.) on fittonia albivenis 'pink angel'?
Larvae damage shallow roots in moist potting mix, causing sudden wilting despite adequate watering Allow the top centimetre of soil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bti-based soil drench (e.g. Gnatrol) for persistent infestations