Pest identification
What's eating my polka dot plant 'splash select red'?
Spider mites
Signs: Leaf surface develops pale, dusty stippling; spots lose their vivid contrast; fine webbing appears underneath in severe cases.
Control: Increase ambient humidity, mist foliage regularly, and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days; isolate affected plants.
Whitefly
Signs: Tiny white flies rise in a cloud when foliage is disturbed; leaves yellow and sticky honeydew coats surfaces.
Control: Use yellow sticky traps to monitor numbers; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin-based spray weekly.
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on soft shoot tips and flower buds; young leaves curl and growth becomes distorted.
Control: Blast with water spray, then apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 7 days until gone.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adult gnats are a nuisance; larvae feed on fine roots and root hairs in moist potting mix, causing wilting and yellowing.
Control: Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench or beneficial nematodes to kill larvae.
Keep polka dot plant 'splash select red' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats polka dot plant — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common polka dot plant 'splash select red' problems & fixes
- Polka Dot Plant 'Splash Select Red' watering schedule
- Polka Dot Plant 'Splash Select Red' light requirements
- Full polka dot plant 'splash select red' care guide
Polka Dot Plant 'Splash Select Red' pests — FAQ
What is eating my polka dot plant 'splash select red'?
Polka Dot Plant 'Splash Select Red' (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is most commonly attacked by spider mites in dry indoor conditions, which dull and bleach the vivid red-spotted leaves. Whitefly, aphids, and fungus gnats are secondary threats, especially in humid, poorly ventilated spaces. Good airflow and correct watering prevent most outbreaks.
How do I get rid of spider mites on polka dot plant 'splash select red'?
Leaf surface develops pale, dusty stippling; spots lose their vivid contrast; fine webbing appears underneath in severe cases. Increase ambient humidity, mist foliage regularly, and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days; isolate affected plants.
How do I get rid of whitefly on polka dot plant 'splash select red'?
Tiny white flies rise in a cloud when foliage is disturbed; leaves yellow and sticky honeydew coats surfaces. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor numbers; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin-based spray weekly.
How do I get rid of aphids on polka dot plant 'splash select red'?
Clusters on soft shoot tips and flower buds; young leaves curl and growth becomes distorted. Blast with water spray, then apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 7 days until gone.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on polka dot plant 'splash select red'?
Adult gnats are a nuisance; larvae feed on fine roots and root hairs in moist potting mix, causing wilting and yellowing. Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench or beneficial nematodes to kill larvae.