Pest identification
What's eating my string of tears?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters at stem nodes and leaf axils; beads may shrivel and drop
Control: Dab individual bugs with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil spray weekly for 3–4 weeks
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing between stems; leaves and beads develop a dull, stippled look
Control: Rinse with a gentle water spray; treat with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; increase humidity slightly
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adult gnats fly around soil; larvae damage shallow roots in overly moist compost
Control: Allow soil to dry fully between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; drench with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) if larvae persist
Keep string of tears pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
String of Tears pests — FAQ
What is eating my string of tears?
String of Tears is most commonly attacked by mealybugs and spider mites indoors. Both hide among the trailing stems and bead-like leaves, sucking sap and causing shriveling. Overwatered plants also attract fungus gnats. Inspect regularly and isolate new plants before introducing them to your collection.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on string of tears?
White cottony clusters at stem nodes and leaf axils; beads may shrivel and drop Dab individual bugs with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil spray weekly for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of spider mites on string of tears?
Fine webbing between stems; leaves and beads develop a dull, stippled look Rinse with a gentle water spray; treat with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; increase humidity slightly
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on string of tears?
Adult gnats fly around soil; larvae damage shallow roots in overly moist compost Allow soil to dry fully between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; drench with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) if larvae persist