Pest identification
What's eating my plectranthus oertendahlii?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy cottony tufts in leaf axils and along stems; yellowing, wilting, and sticky honeydew residue
Control: Remove with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray plant with neem oil every 7 days for 3–4 weeks
Fungus gnats
Signs: Tiny flies hovering around the soil; larvae feed on roots causing wilting and poor growth in young plants
Control: Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench
Aphids
Signs: Soft green insects on new growth; distorted leaves and sticky deposits on foliage
Control: Wipe off with a damp cloth or cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap solution; isolate infested plants
Keep plectranthus oertendahlii pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Plectranthus Oertendahlii pests — FAQ
What is eating my plectranthus oertendahlii?
Plectranthus oertendahlii (Prostrate Coleus) is a soft-leaved houseplant that attracts mealybugs, fungus gnats, and occasionally aphids and whitefly. The velvety leaves trap moisture and can hide pest colonies. Check leaf undersides and stem joints closely, and avoid overwatering to deter fungus gnats.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on plectranthus oertendahlii?
White waxy cottony tufts in leaf axils and along stems; yellowing, wilting, and sticky honeydew residue Remove with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray plant with neem oil every 7 days for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on plectranthus oertendahlii?
Tiny flies hovering around the soil; larvae feed on roots causing wilting and poor growth in young plants Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench
How do I get rid of aphids on plectranthus oertendahlii?
Soft green insects on new growth; distorted leaves and sticky deposits on foliage Wipe off with a damp cloth or cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap solution; isolate infested plants