Pest identification
What's eating my hoya carnosa 'rubra'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony residue at leaf joints, along peduncles, and on the undersides of waxy leaves; honeydew and sooty mould
Control: Wipe leaves and stems with an alcohol-soaked cloth or swab; apply neem oil spray every 7 days for a month
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or grey oval bumps adhered to stems and midribs; leaves yellow and plant fails to produce flowers
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush, treat with neem oil or horticultural oil spray
Aphids
Signs: Soft clusters on new growth and flower buds; sticky honeydew and distorted young leaves
Control: Blast off with water, then spray with insecticidal soap; repeat every few days until gone
Keep hoya carnosa 'rubra' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Hoya Carnosa 'Rubra' pests — FAQ
What is eating my hoya carnosa 'rubra'?
Hoya carnosa 'Rubra' (also sold as Krimson Queen/Princess) shares the Hoya family's typical pest vulnerabilities. Mealybugs are the most persistent threat, hiding in the waxy leaf folds and along peduncles. Scale and aphids also appear occasionally. The waxy leaves make them easier to wipe clean — regular inspection is the best defence.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on hoya carnosa 'rubra'?
White cottony residue at leaf joints, along peduncles, and on the undersides of waxy leaves; honeydew and sooty mould Wipe leaves and stems with an alcohol-soaked cloth or swab; apply neem oil spray every 7 days for a month
How do I get rid of scale insects on hoya carnosa 'rubra'?
Brown or grey oval bumps adhered to stems and midribs; leaves yellow and plant fails to produce flowers Scrape off with a soft toothbrush, treat with neem oil or horticultural oil spray
How do I get rid of aphids on hoya carnosa 'rubra'?
Soft clusters on new growth and flower buds; sticky honeydew and distorted young leaves Blast off with water, then spray with insecticidal soap; repeat every few days until gone