What's eating my coleus?

Coleus is most commonly attacked by mealybugs and whiteflies indoors. Aphids target the soft new growth, and spider mites strike in low-humidity rooms. Because Coleus is grown for its vivid foliage, pest damage shows quickly as discolouration and distortion. Early treatment with insecticidal soap and good air circulation prevent most outbreaks.

White cottony puffs at leaf nodes and stem joints; sticky honeydew; yellowing and stunted new growth. Dab each colony with a 70% isopropyl alcohol cotton swab. Spray the whole plant with insecticidal soap solution and repeat weekly for three to four weeks.

Clouds of tiny white flies launch up when the plant is disturbed; leaves yellow and develop sooty mould where honeydew drips. Hang yellow sticky traps near the plant. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to undersides of leaves weekly. Ensure good airflow and avoid over-fertilising.

Soft-bodied insects clustered on new shoot tips; leaves curl and distort; sticky residue on surrounding surfaces. Rinse plant under a lukewarm shower to dislodge aphids. Follow up with insecticidal soap spray, targeting stem tips and leaf undersides.

Fine pale stippling on the colourful foliage; webbing in leaf joints; leaves look dull and bleached in heavy infestations. Increase humidity and wash foliage with diluted insecticidal soap or a 1:1 water-and-isopropyl alcohol wipe. Repeat weekly until mites are gone.