Pest identification
What's eating my streptocarpus 'falling stars'?
Vine weevil
Signs: Larvae eat roots causing sudden wilting and plant collapse; adult beetles notch leaf margins at night
Control: Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) as a soil drench in autumn and spring; use vine weevil killer compost drench; check roots when repotting
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluff in leaf axils and at crown; sticky honeydew; weakened plant with yellowing lower leaves
Control: Remove colonies with alcohol swab; treat with diluted neem oil spray weekly; isolate plant from others
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on flower stems and unopened buds; sticky residue and distorted flowers
Control: Blast off with water; spray with insecticidal soap; repeat every 5 days until clear
Keep streptocarpus 'falling stars' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Streptocarpus 'Falling Stars' pests — FAQ
What is eating my streptocarpus 'falling stars'?
Streptocarpus 'Falling Stars' is an indoor flowering gesneriad most troubled by vine weevil larvae attacking roots, mealybugs sheltering in leaf folds, and aphids on soft new growth and flower buds. Fungus gnats breed in wet potting mix. Vine weevil can be catastrophic because larvae destroy the root system before symptoms appear.
How do I get rid of vine weevil on streptocarpus 'falling stars'?
Larvae eat roots causing sudden wilting and plant collapse; adult beetles notch leaf margins at night Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) as a soil drench in autumn and spring; use vine weevil killer compost drench; check roots when repotting
How do I get rid of mealybugs on streptocarpus 'falling stars'?
White fluff in leaf axils and at crown; sticky honeydew; weakened plant with yellowing lower leaves Remove colonies with alcohol swab; treat with diluted neem oil spray weekly; isolate plant from others
How do I get rid of aphids on streptocarpus 'falling stars'?
Colonies on flower stems and unopened buds; sticky residue and distorted flowers Blast off with water; spray with insecticidal soap; repeat every 5 days until clear