Pest identification
What's eating my string of hearts?
Mealybugs
Signs: White woolly deposits at stem nodes and in the soil near surface corms; vines weaken and leaves yellow
Control: Swab each node with 70% isopropyl alcohol; drench the soil with diluted neem oil to kill soil-dwelling individuals
Aphids
Signs: Soft, clustered insects on new shoot tips; distorted small leaves; sticky residue
Control: Rinse vines gently under tepid water; apply insecticidal soap spray and repeat every 4–5 days
Spider mites
Signs: Faint stippling on heart-shaped leaves; fine webbing bridging nodes in dry conditions
Control: Mist foliage to raise humidity; wipe leaves with a damp cloth and treat with diluted neem oil weekly
Keep string of hearts pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
String of hearts pests — FAQ
What is eating my string of hearts?
String of hearts is most vulnerable to mealybugs, which tuck into the nodes along the trailing vines. Aphids hit tender new growth, and spider mites appear when indoor air is very dry. Because the thin vines are easily damaged, treat gently with diluted neem oil or alcohol swabs rather than harsh sprays.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on string of hearts?
White woolly deposits at stem nodes and in the soil near surface corms; vines weaken and leaves yellow Swab each node with 70% isopropyl alcohol; drench the soil with diluted neem oil to kill soil-dwelling individuals
How do I get rid of aphids on string of hearts?
Soft, clustered insects on new shoot tips; distorted small leaves; sticky residue Rinse vines gently under tepid water; apply insecticidal soap spray and repeat every 4–5 days
How do I get rid of spider mites on string of hearts?
Faint stippling on heart-shaped leaves; fine webbing bridging nodes in dry conditions Mist foliage to raise humidity; wipe leaves with a damp cloth and treat with diluted neem oil weekly