Pest identification
What's eating my primulina linearifolia?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits along leaf margins and in the crown; honeydew and sooty mould; plant loses vigour.
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray weekly; isolate the plant and inspect neighbours.
Spider mites
Signs: Fine yellow stippling on leaf surfaces; webbing on undersides; worst in dry, warm interiors.
Control: Raise humidity around the plant; wipe leaves; spray insecticidal soap every 5-7 days covering leaf undersides.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae chew roots and germinating seedlings; adults emerge from moist compost and may spread algae.
Control: Reduce watering frequency; use yellow sticky traps; apply a Bti-based drench to the rootzone.
Keep primulina linearifolia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Primulina linearifolia pests — FAQ
What is eating my primulina linearifolia?
Primulina linearifolia is a distinctive indoor gesneriad with narrow, strap-like leaves and violet flowers. Grown as a houseplant it is vulnerable to mealybugs and spider mites, both common on gesneriads in typical home conditions. Fungus gnats are a secondary problem when soil moisture is too high between waterings.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on primulina linearifolia?
White cottony deposits along leaf margins and in the crown; honeydew and sooty mould; plant loses vigour. Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray weekly; isolate the plant and inspect neighbours.
How do I get rid of spider mites on primulina linearifolia?
Fine yellow stippling on leaf surfaces; webbing on undersides; worst in dry, warm interiors. Raise humidity around the plant; wipe leaves; spray insecticidal soap every 5-7 days covering leaf undersides.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on primulina linearifolia?
Larvae chew roots and germinating seedlings; adults emerge from moist compost and may spread algae. Reduce watering frequency; use yellow sticky traps; apply a Bti-based drench to the rootzone.