Pest identification
What's eating my string of spades?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy powder on stems and near soil; root mealybugs stunt growth and cause wilting
Control: Swab with isopropyl alcohol; for root mealybugs, unpot, rinse roots, and repot in fresh dry mix after a neem drench
Spider mites
Signs: Faint stippling and webbing on leaf undersides, more common in heated, dry rooms
Control: Wipe foliage with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap or neem spray and increase ambient humidity
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied insects clustered on new growth; sticky residue on leaves below
Control: Blast with water, apply insecticidal soap; inspect weekly and repeat until the plant is clear
Keep string of spades pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
String of Spades pests — FAQ
What is eating my string of spades?
String of Spades (Ceropegia woodii 'Heartless') faces the same indoor pest pressures as its close relatives: mealybugs are the primary threat, attacking stems and the tuber-like corm. Spider mites and aphids occasionally appear on tender growth. Good air circulation and avoiding overwatering are the best preventive measures.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on string of spades?
White waxy powder on stems and near soil; root mealybugs stunt growth and cause wilting Swab with isopropyl alcohol; for root mealybugs, unpot, rinse roots, and repot in fresh dry mix after a neem drench
How do I get rid of spider mites on string of spades?
Faint stippling and webbing on leaf undersides, more common in heated, dry rooms Wipe foliage with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap or neem spray and increase ambient humidity
How do I get rid of aphids on string of spades?
Soft-bodied insects clustered on new growth; sticky residue on leaves below Blast with water, apply insecticidal soap; inspect weekly and repeat until the plant is clear