Pest identification
What's eating my pink quill?
Scale insects
Signs: Small tan or brown bumps on the strap-like leaves; honeydew residue; foliage turns yellow
Control: Wipe scales off with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol; rinse foliage with water
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses tucked at the base of leaves and the central rosette; reduced vigor
Control: Remove with alcohol swabs; flush the central cup with fresh water; apply diluted neem oil to foliage
Spider mites
Signs: Faint stippling on narrow leaves; webbing near leaf bases in low-humidity environments
Control: Mist the plant daily, increase surrounding humidity, apply insecticidal soap spray if mites are confirmed
Keep pink quill pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pink Quill pests — FAQ
What is eating my pink quill?
Pink Quill (Tillandsia cyanea) is a bromeliad air plant with relatively few pest problems. Scale insects and mealybugs are the primary threats, hiding in the compact leaf base. Spider mites can appear in very dry rooms. The central water cup, if stagnant, may attract fungus gnat larvae.
How do I get rid of scale insects on pink quill?
Small tan or brown bumps on the strap-like leaves; honeydew residue; foliage turns yellow Wipe scales off with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol; rinse foliage with water
How do I get rid of mealybugs on pink quill?
White cottony masses tucked at the base of leaves and the central rosette; reduced vigor Remove with alcohol swabs; flush the central cup with fresh water; apply diluted neem oil to foliage
How do I get rid of spider mites on pink quill?
Faint stippling on narrow leaves; webbing near leaf bases in low-humidity environments Mist the plant daily, increase surrounding humidity, apply insecticidal soap spray if mites are confirmed