Pest identification
What's eating my pseuderanthemum carruthersii?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; severe infestations cause leaf drop
Control: Increase humidity, shower foliage to dislodge mites; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days for 3 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white wax clusters at stem joints; yellowing foliage and sticky honeydew deposits
Control: Remove with alcohol-dipped swabs; treat the whole plant with neem oil spray; repeat weekly until no new colonies appear
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied insects clustered on new growth; distorted tender shoots and sticky residue
Control: Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap spray; introduce beneficial insects such as lacewings or ladybirds outdoors
Keep pseuderanthemum carruthersii pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pseuderanthemum carruthersii pests — FAQ
What is eating my pseuderanthemum carruthersii?
Pseuderanthemum carruthersii is a tropical shrub typically grown indoors or in warm-climate gardens. Spider mites and mealybugs are its most persistent indoor threats. Aphids can colonise tender shoot tips outdoors. Good air circulation and routine inspection of stems and leaf undersides are your first line of defence.
How do I get rid of spider mites on pseuderanthemum carruthersii?
Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; severe infestations cause leaf drop Increase humidity, shower foliage to dislodge mites; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on pseuderanthemum carruthersii?
Fluffy white wax clusters at stem joints; yellowing foliage and sticky honeydew deposits Remove with alcohol-dipped swabs; treat the whole plant with neem oil spray; repeat weekly until no new colonies appear
How do I get rid of aphids on pseuderanthemum carruthersii?
Soft-bodied insects clustered on new growth; distorted tender shoots and sticky residue Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap spray; introduce beneficial insects such as lacewings or ladybirds outdoors