Pest identification
What's eating my porphyrocoma pohliana?
Spider mites
Signs: Bronze stippling on iridescent leaves; fine webbing on undersides; heavy infestations cause leaf drop and dusky discolouration
Control: Raise humidity; shower plant weekly to dislodge mites; apply neem oil or miticide spray every 5–7 days for 3 cycles minimum
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy masses in leaf axils and on flower bracts; plant weakens and honeydew encourages mould
Control: Spot-treat with alcohol swab; spray all surfaces with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae damage shallow roots in moist mix; adults swarm soil surface and are a persistent nuisance
Control: Allow soil surface to dry between waterings; use sticky traps; apply Bti soil drench to kill larvae
Keep porphyrocoma pohliana pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Porphyrocoma pohliana pests — FAQ
What is eating my porphyrocoma pohliana?
Porphyrocoma pohliana (Brazilian firework plant) is a tropical houseplant prized for its iridescent foliage and pink flower bracts. Spider mites are the primary pest, thriving in warm, dry air. Mealybugs target stem joints and leaf undersides. Fungus gnats can infest overly moist soil. Good humidity is key.
How do I get rid of spider mites on porphyrocoma pohliana?
Bronze stippling on iridescent leaves; fine webbing on undersides; heavy infestations cause leaf drop and dusky discolouration Raise humidity; shower plant weekly to dislodge mites; apply neem oil or miticide spray every 5–7 days for 3 cycles minimum
How do I get rid of mealybugs on porphyrocoma pohliana?
White waxy masses in leaf axils and on flower bracts; plant weakens and honeydew encourages mould Spot-treat with alcohol swab; spray all surfaces with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on porphyrocoma pohliana?
Larvae damage shallow roots in moist mix; adults swarm soil surface and are a persistent nuisance Allow soil surface to dry between waterings; use sticky traps; apply Bti soil drench to kill larvae