Pest identification
What's eating my portulaca oleracea 'fairytales cinderella'?
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on new growth and buds; honeydew and sooty mould; flower production reduced.
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Usually a minor and easily controlled issue on Portulaca.
Flea beetles
Signs: Numerous tiny round holes scattered across leaves ('shot-hole' pattern); adult beetles jump when disturbed.
Control: Cover young plants with fine insect mesh; apply diatomaceous earth around the base. Pyrethrin sprays kill adults on contact.
Thrips
Signs: Silvery-white streaking or flecking on petals; tiny insects visible inside open blooms.
Control: Remove affected flowers; spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap. Reflective mulch around containers deters thrips.
Keep portulaca oleracea 'fairytales cinderella' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats common purslane — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common portulaca oleracea 'fairytales cinderella' problems & fixes
- Portulaca oleracea 'Fairytales Cinderella' watering schedule
- Portulaca oleracea 'Fairytales Cinderella' light requirements
- Full portulaca oleracea 'fairytales cinderella' care guide
Portulaca oleracea 'Fairytales Cinderella' pests — FAQ
What is eating my portulaca oleracea 'fairytales cinderella'?
Portulaca oleracea 'Fairytales Cinderella' (a purslane series) is generally pest-resistant. Aphids occasionally hit flower buds; thrips can mark petals. Flea beetles may create tiny shot-holes in leaves outdoors. Fungus gnats breed in overly wet compost. The plant's main enemies are overwatering and slugs on young transplants.
How do I get rid of aphids on portulaca oleracea 'fairytales cinderella'?
Colonies on new growth and buds; honeydew and sooty mould; flower production reduced. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Usually a minor and easily controlled issue on Portulaca.
How do I get rid of flea beetles on portulaca oleracea 'fairytales cinderella'?
Numerous tiny round holes scattered across leaves ('shot-hole' pattern); adult beetles jump when disturbed. Cover young plants with fine insect mesh; apply diatomaceous earth around the base. Pyrethrin sprays kill adults on contact.
How do I get rid of thrips on portulaca oleracea 'fairytales cinderella'?
Silvery-white streaking or flecking on petals; tiny insects visible inside open blooms. Remove affected flowers; spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap. Reflective mulch around containers deters thrips.