Pest identification
What's eating my string of pearls?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony fluff at stem joints; pearls shrivel and plant loses vigour
Control: Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swab; spray diluted neem oil; isolate plant immediately to prevent spread
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing across strands; pearls dimple and take on a dusty, dull appearance
Control: Increase humidity around the plant; spray underside of strands with insecticidal soap or diluted neem; repeat every 5–7 days
Fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.)
Signs: Tiny flies around soil surface; larvae chew fine roots causing wilting and poor growth
Control: Allow soil to dry thoroughly between waterings; use sticky yellow traps; drench with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) solution
Keep string of pearls pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
String of Pearls pests — FAQ
What is eating my string of pearls?
String of Pearls is most commonly attacked by mealybugs, which nestle where pearls meet the stem. Spider mites thrive in dry indoor air and cause pearls to shrivel. Fungus gnats infest the soil when kept too wet. Check trailing strands regularly as infestations spread fast along the stems.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on string of pearls?
White cottony fluff at stem joints; pearls shrivel and plant loses vigour Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swab; spray diluted neem oil; isolate plant immediately to prevent spread
How do I get rid of spider mites on string of pearls?
Fine webbing across strands; pearls dimple and take on a dusty, dull appearance Increase humidity around the plant; spray underside of strands with insecticidal soap or diluted neem; repeat every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of fungus gnats (bradysia spp.) on string of pearls?
Tiny flies around soil surface; larvae chew fine roots causing wilting and poor growth Allow soil to dry thoroughly between waterings; use sticky yellow traps; drench with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) solution