Pest identification
What's eating my pseuderanthemum atropurpureum?
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny bronze or yellow stipples across leaf surfaces; fine silk webbing on undersides; foliage dulls and drops
Control: Maintain humidity above 50%; rinse plant under lukewarm shower; apply neem oil or miticide spray every 7 days for 3–4 cycles
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy tufts in leaf axils and on stems; weakened growth and honeydew-related mould
Control: Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs; follow with an insecticidal soap or neem oil drench; check roots for ground mealybugs
Soft scale
Signs: Brown or tan dome-shaped bumps fixed to stems; they suck sap causing yellow leaves and twig dieback
Control: Scrape off manually with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil spray; repeat every 2 weeks until stems are clean
Keep pseuderanthemum atropurpureum pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pseuderanthemum atropurpureum pests — FAQ
What is eating my pseuderanthemum atropurpureum?
Pseuderanthemum atropurpureum, the purple false eranthemum, is grown for its vivid foliage and is most susceptible to spider mites in dry indoor conditions. Mealybugs hide in stem crevices, and scale insects can encrust older stems. Consistent humidity and routine wiping of leaves prevent most outbreaks.
How do I get rid of spider mites on pseuderanthemum atropurpureum?
Tiny bronze or yellow stipples across leaf surfaces; fine silk webbing on undersides; foliage dulls and drops Maintain humidity above 50%; rinse plant under lukewarm shower; apply neem oil or miticide spray every 7 days for 3–4 cycles
How do I get rid of mealybugs on pseuderanthemum atropurpureum?
White waxy tufts in leaf axils and on stems; weakened growth and honeydew-related mould Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs; follow with an insecticidal soap or neem oil drench; check roots for ground mealybugs
How do I get rid of soft scale on pseuderanthemum atropurpureum?
Brown or tan dome-shaped bumps fixed to stems; they suck sap causing yellow leaves and twig dieback Scrape off manually with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil spray; repeat every 2 weeks until stems are clean