Pest identification
What's eating my polka dot plant?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky, distorted, or curled new leaves; clusters of small soft-bodied insects on shoot tips.
Control: Blast off with a stream of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days.
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling across leaves; fine webbing on undersides; leaves look dull and may drop.
Control: Raise humidity; wipe leaves; spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil repeatedly.
Fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.)
Signs: Larvae feed on fine roots in moist soil; adult gnats are a nuisance; seedlings may wilt.
Control: Let soil surface dry between waterings; apply a Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench; use yellow sticky traps for adults.
Keep polka dot plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Polka dot plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my polka dot plant?
Polka dot plant is a soft-stemmed houseplant most vulnerable to aphids and spider mites, both of which thrive in the warm, dry conditions that often stress this plant. Whiteflies and fungus gnats can also appear. Aphids congregate on tender new growth and are the most frequently reported pest, quickly distorting young shoots.
How do I get rid of aphids on polka dot plant?
Sticky, distorted, or curled new leaves; clusters of small soft-bodied insects on shoot tips. Blast off with a stream of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days.
How do I get rid of spider mites on polka dot plant?
Pale stippling across leaves; fine webbing on undersides; leaves look dull and may drop. Raise humidity; wipe leaves; spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil repeatedly.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats (bradysia spp.) on polka dot plant?
Larvae feed on fine roots in moist soil; adult gnats are a nuisance; seedlings may wilt. Let soil surface dry between waterings; apply a Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench; use yellow sticky traps for adults.