Pest identification
What's eating my string of frogs?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale speckling and a dull, greyish cast to the tiny leaves; fine webbing between stems in dry conditions
Control: Mist regularly or place on a humidity tray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly for 3 weeks
Scale insects
Signs: Flat brown bumps on stems and the undersides of the lobed leaves; leaves yellow and drop
Control: Wipe with a 70% isopropyl alcohol-soaked cloth; apply horticultural oil; treat all stems thoroughly
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy tufts at leaf axils and along trailing stems; honeydew accumulates causing sooty mold
Control: Remove with an alcohol-tipped swab; spray with dilute neem oil solution; isolate the plant from others
Keep string of frogs pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
String of Frogs pests — FAQ
What is eating my string of frogs?
String of Frogs (Ficus pumila 'Quercifolia') is a delicate trailing fig relative grown as a houseplant. Spider mites are the most common problem in low-humidity indoor conditions. Scale insects and mealybugs also occur on the small, lobed leaves and fine stems. High humidity and bright, indirect light reduce susceptibility to most pests.
How do I get rid of spider mites on string of frogs?
Pale speckling and a dull, greyish cast to the tiny leaves; fine webbing between stems in dry conditions Mist regularly or place on a humidity tray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of scale insects on string of frogs?
Flat brown bumps on stems and the undersides of the lobed leaves; leaves yellow and drop Wipe with a 70% isopropyl alcohol-soaked cloth; apply horticultural oil; treat all stems thoroughly
How do I get rid of mealybugs on string of frogs?
White waxy tufts at leaf axils and along trailing stems; honeydew accumulates causing sooty mold Remove with an alcohol-tipped swab; spray with dilute neem oil solution; isolate the plant from others