Pest identification
What's eating my shingle plant?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on leaf undersides and stems; pale stippling on leaf surface; leaves look dull and bronzed
Control: Wipe leaves with damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly for 3–4 weeks; increase humidity
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy masses at stem nodes and leaf axils; sticky honeydew residue; yellowing leaves
Control: Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; drench soil with diluted neem oil; repeat every 7–10 days
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems and leaf midribs; sticky honeydew; sooty mould develops
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil; isolate plant until clear
Keep shingle plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Shingle Plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my shingle plant?
Shingle Plant is most commonly attacked by spider mites in warm, dry indoor conditions. Mealybugs and scale insects also colonise stem nodes and leaf undersides. Thrips occasionally scar young unfurling leaves. Good air circulation and regular leaf-wiping prevent most infestations.
How do I get rid of spider mites on shingle plant?
Fine webbing on leaf undersides and stems; pale stippling on leaf surface; leaves look dull and bronzed Wipe leaves with damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly for 3–4 weeks; increase humidity
How do I get rid of mealybugs on shingle plant?
White fluffy masses at stem nodes and leaf axils; sticky honeydew residue; yellowing leaves Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; drench soil with diluted neem oil; repeat every 7–10 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on shingle plant?
Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems and leaf midribs; sticky honeydew; sooty mould develops Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil; isolate plant until clear