Pest identification
What's eating my red nerve plant?
Fungus gnats (Bradysia spp. larvae)
Signs: Larvae feed on roots in consistently moist soil, causing wilting and yellowing; adult gnats are a nuisance near plants
Control: Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings; apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) as a drench; use yellow sticky traps for adults
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny pale stipples and fine webbing on leaves; leaves lose colour and look washed out; worst in low humidity
Control: Raise humidity with a pebble tray or misting; spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil every 5–7 days
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony fluff at leaf axils and stem joints; sticky honeydew and sooty mold on foliage
Control: Dab visible clusters with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray; repeat weekly
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on soft new growth; distorted, curled leaves; sticky residue on leaf surfaces
Control: Blast off with a gentle water spray; apply insecticidal soap; repeat every 3–5 days until gone
Keep red nerve plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats fittonia — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What eats red nerve plant — our other guide for the same plant
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common red nerve plant problems & fixes
- red nerve plant watering schedule
- red nerve plant light requirements
- Full red nerve plant care guide
red nerve plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my red nerve plant?
Red nerve plant (Fittonia albivenis 'Red Star') is a compact tropical houseplant most troubled by fungus gnats in damp soil and spider mites in dry air. Mealybugs occasionally colonise leaf axils. Aphids may appear on tender new growth. Its love of moisture makes overwatered potting mix a common breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats (bradysia spp. larvae) on red nerve plant?
Larvae feed on roots in consistently moist soil, causing wilting and yellowing; adult gnats are a nuisance near plants Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings; apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) as a drench; use yellow sticky traps for adults
How do I get rid of spider mites on red nerve plant?
Tiny pale stipples and fine webbing on leaves; leaves lose colour and look washed out; worst in low humidity Raise humidity with a pebble tray or misting; spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of mealybugs on red nerve plant?
White cottony fluff at leaf axils and stem joints; sticky honeydew and sooty mold on foliage Dab visible clusters with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of aphids on red nerve plant?
Clusters on soft new growth; distorted, curled leaves; sticky residue on leaf surfaces Blast off with a gentle water spray; apply insecticidal soap; repeat every 3–5 days until gone