Pest identification
What's eating my ruellia makoyana?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale speckling across velvety leaves; webbing visible on undersides; foliage loses its lustre and drops
Control: Increase humidity; rinse with a gentle shower; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days for 3–4 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony tufts at stem nodes and leaf axils; weakened plant with sticky honeydew and sooty mould
Control: Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray whole plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adults hover around soil; larvae damage delicate roots, causing wilting and poor growth
Control: Let the top inch of potting mix dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bti drench to kill larvae in the soil
Keep ruellia makoyana pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Ruellia makoyana pests — FAQ
What is eating my ruellia makoyana?
Ruellia makoyana (monkey plant) is a tender tropical houseplant. Spider mites thrive on it in warm, dry rooms, causing the velvety leaves to stipple and dull. Mealybugs colonise stem joints, and fungus gnats breed in consistently moist soil. Regular inspection and humidity control are essential to keep it healthy.
How do I get rid of spider mites on ruellia makoyana?
Fine pale speckling across velvety leaves; webbing visible on undersides; foliage loses its lustre and drops Increase humidity; rinse with a gentle shower; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on ruellia makoyana?
White cottony tufts at stem nodes and leaf axils; weakened plant with sticky honeydew and sooty mould Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray whole plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on ruellia makoyana?
Adults hover around soil; larvae damage delicate roots, causing wilting and poor growth Let the top inch of potting mix dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bti drench to kill larvae in the soil