Pest identification
What's eating my splash polka dot plant?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on stems and leaf undersides; foliage develops a dull, stippled, bronze appearance
Control: Raise humidity, mist foliage, and wipe leaves with a damp cloth. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, repeating weekly for 3–4 weeks.
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of tiny green or black insects on new growth; leaves curl, pucker, and feel sticky from honeydew
Control: Knock off with a strong water spray. Apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days until clear.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adults are a nuisance; larvae damage roots in consistently moist soil, causing wilting and slow growth
Control: Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Use yellow sticky traps for adults; apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench for larvae.
Keep splash polka dot plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Splash Polka Dot Plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my splash polka dot plant?
Splash Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Splash') is most commonly attacked by spider mites and aphids indoors. These sap-sucking pests are drawn to its soft, moisture-rich foliage. Keep humidity up, inspect leaf undersides regularly, and isolate new plants before introducing them to your collection.
How do I get rid of spider mites on splash polka dot plant?
Fine webbing on stems and leaf undersides; foliage develops a dull, stippled, bronze appearance Raise humidity, mist foliage, and wipe leaves with a damp cloth. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, repeating weekly for 3–4 weeks.
How do I get rid of aphids on splash polka dot plant?
Clusters of tiny green or black insects on new growth; leaves curl, pucker, and feel sticky from honeydew Knock off with a strong water spray. Apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days until clear.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on splash polka dot plant?
Adults are a nuisance; larvae damage roots in consistently moist soil, causing wilting and slow growth Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Use yellow sticky traps for adults; apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench for larvae.