Pest identification
What's eating my spider plant?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale stippling on leaf tips; webbing in the plant crown during dry spells
Control: Increase humidity; mist or rinse foliage; apply insecticidal soap spray and repeat weekly until clear
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy residue at the crown or base of leaves; honeydew and sluggish new growth
Control: Remove with isopropyl-alcohol-dipped cotton swabs; treat with diluted neem oil spray; repeat every 7–10 days
Fungus gnats
Signs: Tiny black flies around soil; larvae damage fine roots causing wilting and yellowing in younger plants
Control: Allow soil to dry out between waterings; use sticky yellow traps; drench soil with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) if larvae persist
Keep spider plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Spider plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my spider plant?
Spider plants are relatively pest-resistant, but spider mites and aphids occasionally attack, especially in dry indoor air. Mealybugs can colonize the crown and stolons. Fungus gnats may breed in overwatered soil. Overall, spider plants are among the easiest houseplants to keep pest-free with basic good care.
How do I get rid of spider mites on spider plant?
Fine pale stippling on leaf tips; webbing in the plant crown during dry spells Increase humidity; mist or rinse foliage; apply insecticidal soap spray and repeat weekly until clear
How do I get rid of mealybugs on spider plant?
White fluffy residue at the crown or base of leaves; honeydew and sluggish new growth Remove with isopropyl-alcohol-dipped cotton swabs; treat with diluted neem oil spray; repeat every 7–10 days
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on spider plant?
Tiny black flies around soil; larvae damage fine roots causing wilting and yellowing in younger plants Allow soil to dry out between waterings; use sticky yellow traps; drench soil with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) if larvae persist