What's eating my string of turtles?

String of Turtles is a compact trailing peperomia most vulnerable to mealybugs hiding where leaves meet stems, and to fungus gnats breeding in soggy compost. Spider mites can attack in dry heated rooms. Its small, succulent-like leaves and slow growth mean damage accumulates quickly — inspect every two weeks.

White waxy fluff at leaf nodes and along trailing stems; leaves yellow and drop; honeydew attracts sooty mold Isolate the plant immediately; treat with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud; spray with diluted neem oil every 7 days until clear

Larvae in compost damage fine roots; overwatered plants are most at risk; adults hover around the soil surface Let compost dry well between waterings; use a perlite-heavy, fast-draining mix; apply sticky yellow traps and Bti drench

Tiny pale speckling on the patterned leaf tops; fine webbing between leaves in severe infestations Increase humidity around the plant; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution