Pest identification
What's eating my red pagoda?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white deposits between leaf layers; honeydew and stunted red colouring as the plant weakens.
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray neem oil at the base of leaves; repeat weekly.
Scale insects
Signs: Hard brown dome-shaped bumps on lower stems; sticky residue attracting sooty mold.
Control: Scrape off with a soft brush; apply neem or horticultural oil to affected stems.
Spider mites
Signs: Silvery stippling on leaf surfaces and fine webs at leaf tips; more common in dry winter air.
Control: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; increase air humidity; apply insecticidal soap if population builds.
Keep red pagoda pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Red Pagoda pests — FAQ
What is eating my red pagoda?
Red Pagoda is most threatened by mealybugs sheltering between its tightly stacked propeller-like leaves, and by scale on the lower woody stem. Spider mites can appear in hot, dry rooms. The stacked leaf architecture creates ideal hiding spots, so inspect the base of each leaf frequently. Mealybugs are the top pest.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on red pagoda?
Cottony white deposits between leaf layers; honeydew and stunted red colouring as the plant weakens. Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray neem oil at the base of leaves; repeat weekly.
How do I get rid of scale insects on red pagoda?
Hard brown dome-shaped bumps on lower stems; sticky residue attracting sooty mold. Scrape off with a soft brush; apply neem or horticultural oil to affected stems.
How do I get rid of spider mites on red pagoda?
Silvery stippling on leaf surfaces and fine webs at leaf tips; more common in dry winter air. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; increase air humidity; apply insecticidal soap if population builds.