Pest identification
What's eating my streptocarpus saxorum?
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluff between succulent stems and at nodes; foliage yellows and stems weaken
Control: Isopropyl alcohol swabs at each node; neem oil spray; inspect succulent stems carefully as they provide sheltered hiding spots
Aphids
Signs: Sticky, clustered insects on flower peduncles and young growth; bud distortion
Control: Insecticidal soap spray; pinch and discard heavily infested soft tips; repeat weekly
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on stems; stippled, dull foliage; worse in dry indoor air
Control: Raise humidity; rinse foliage with water; apply miticide or dilute neem oil if webbing persists
Keep streptocarpus saxorum pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Streptocarpus saxorum pests — FAQ
What is eating my streptocarpus saxorum?
Streptocarpus saxorum (trailing Cape primrose) is a compact, succulent-stemmed indoor species. Its fleshy stems attract mealybugs, which are the primary pest. Aphids target the delicate flower stalks. Spider mites may establish in hot, dry indoor conditions. Vine weevil is less common than in leafy cultivars but still possible.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on streptocarpus saxorum?
White fluff between succulent stems and at nodes; foliage yellows and stems weaken Isopropyl alcohol swabs at each node; neem oil spray; inspect succulent stems carefully as they provide sheltered hiding spots
How do I get rid of aphids on streptocarpus saxorum?
Sticky, clustered insects on flower peduncles and young growth; bud distortion Insecticidal soap spray; pinch and discard heavily infested soft tips; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of spider mites on streptocarpus saxorum?
Fine webbing on stems; stippled, dull foliage; worse in dry indoor air Raise humidity; rinse foliage with water; apply miticide or dilute neem oil if webbing persists