Pest identification
What's eating my red polka dot plant?
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny webbing beneath leaves; foliage loses colour and develops a stippled, dusty texture; leaves may drop
Control: Increase humidity around the plant. Spray thoroughly with insecticidal soap or neem oil, covering undersides of leaves. Repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks.
Aphids
Signs: Soft insects clustered on shoot tips and new leaves; sticky honeydew residue, leaf curl and distortion
Control: Rinse affected shoots under lukewarm water. Follow with insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days until eliminated.
Whitefly
Signs: Clouds of tiny white-winged insects fly up when the plant is disturbed; leaves yellow and weaken over time
Control: Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and reduce adults. Spray with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin-based product, targeting leaf undersides.
Keep red polka dot plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Red Polka Dot Plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my red polka dot plant?
Red Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Red Splash') shares the same indoor pest vulnerabilities as other Hypoestes cultivars. Spider mites are the most serious threat, thriving in dry indoor air. Aphids also target the lush new foliage. Regular inspection and good airflow are your best defenses.
How do I get rid of spider mites on red polka dot plant?
Tiny webbing beneath leaves; foliage loses colour and develops a stippled, dusty texture; leaves may drop Increase humidity around the plant. Spray thoroughly with insecticidal soap or neem oil, covering undersides of leaves. Repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks.
How do I get rid of aphids on red polka dot plant?
Soft insects clustered on shoot tips and new leaves; sticky honeydew residue, leaf curl and distortion Rinse affected shoots under lukewarm water. Follow with insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days until eliminated.
How do I get rid of whitefly on red polka dot plant?
Clouds of tiny white-winged insects fly up when the plant is disturbed; leaves yellow and weaken over time Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and reduce adults. Spray with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin-based product, targeting leaf undersides.