Pest identification
What's eating my streptocarpus caulescens?
Mealybugs
Signs: Waxy white colonies along stems, in leaf axils and at nodes; honeydew and sooty mould
Control: Isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab to each colony; follow with a neem oil spray; repeat every 10 days
Aphids
Signs: Soft green or black insects on tender growing tips and flower scapes; sticky leaf surface
Control: Insecticidal soap spray; direct water jet; remove heavily colonised tips
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing across stems and leaf undersides; pale stippling and bronzing of foliage
Control: Mist foliage to raise humidity; apply dilute neem oil or a miticide; improve air circulation
Keep streptocarpus caulescens pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Streptocarpus caulescens pests — FAQ
What is eating my streptocarpus caulescens?
Streptocarpus caulescens is a caulescent (stemmed) Cape primrose grown as an indoor plant. Mealybugs are its worst pest, readily colonising its woody stems and leaf axils. Aphids attack new growth and flower stalks. Spider mites can take hold in low-humidity conditions typical of centrally heated homes.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on streptocarpus caulescens?
Waxy white colonies along stems, in leaf axils and at nodes; honeydew and sooty mould Isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab to each colony; follow with a neem oil spray; repeat every 10 days
How do I get rid of aphids on streptocarpus caulescens?
Soft green or black insects on tender growing tips and flower scapes; sticky leaf surface Insecticidal soap spray; direct water jet; remove heavily colonised tips
How do I get rid of spider mites on streptocarpus caulescens?
Fine webbing across stems and leaf undersides; pale stippling and bronzing of foliage Mist foliage to raise humidity; apply dilute neem oil or a miticide; improve air circulation