Pest identification
What's eating my red fittonia?
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae damage fine roots causing wilting and yellowing; adults fly up when soil is disturbed.
Control: Let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; drench with Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to kill larvae.
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny pale stippling on leaf surfaces and fine webbing; leaves lose color and may dry out at edges.
Control: Mist regularly; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, paying attention to leaf undersides; repeat weekly.
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils; leaves become sticky and new growth is distorted.
Control: Remove with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab; treat the whole plant with diluted neem oil spray.
Keep red fittonia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Red Fittonia pests — FAQ
What is eating my red fittonia?
Red Fittonia's shallow roots and preference for humid conditions make it prone to fungus gnats, while its delicate foliage attracts spider mites and mealybugs. Aphids occasionally infest new growth. Keep soil evenly moist (never waterlogged), maintain high humidity, and check leaves weekly — infestations on this small plant can escalate quickly.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on red fittonia?
Larvae damage fine roots causing wilting and yellowing; adults fly up when soil is disturbed. Let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; drench with Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to kill larvae.
How do I get rid of spider mites on red fittonia?
Tiny pale stippling on leaf surfaces and fine webbing; leaves lose color and may dry out at edges. Mist regularly; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, paying attention to leaf undersides; repeat weekly.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on red fittonia?
White cottony clusters in leaf axils; leaves become sticky and new growth is distorted. Remove with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab; treat the whole plant with diluted neem oil spray.