Pest identification
What's eating my strobilanthes auriculata var. dyeriana?
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Fine pale stippling dulls the iridescent purple sheen; webbing appears on undersides in dry conditions
Control: Increase ambient humidity; shower foliage weekly; spray undersides with insecticidal soap every five days for three rounds; ensure good air circulation
Aphids
Signs: Dense colonies on soft shoot tips and undersides; leaves curl and sticky honeydew attracts sooty mould
Control: Knock off with a strong water jet; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every few days until no new colonies are found
Whitefly
Signs: Adults scatter when disturbed; nymphs suck sap from undersides, causing yellowing and general decline
Control: Use yellow sticky traps; apply pyrethrin-based spray to undersides; for greenhouse or conservatory plants introduce Encarsia formosa biological control
Keep strobilanthes auriculata var. dyeriana pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Strobilanthes auriculata var. dyeriana pests — FAQ
What is eating my strobilanthes auriculata var. dyeriana?
Strobilanthes auriculata var. dyeriana (Persian Shield) is a tropical foliage plant grown indoors or as a warm-season outdoor accent. Indoors, spider mites are the primary pest in dry air; outdoors, aphids and whitefly can be problematic. The iridescent foliage is easily marred by pest feeding — early intervention protects the plant's signature metallic shimmer.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on strobilanthes auriculata var. dyeriana?
Fine pale stippling dulls the iridescent purple sheen; webbing appears on undersides in dry conditions Increase ambient humidity; shower foliage weekly; spray undersides with insecticidal soap every five days for three rounds; ensure good air circulation
How do I get rid of aphids on strobilanthes auriculata var. dyeriana?
Dense colonies on soft shoot tips and undersides; leaves curl and sticky honeydew attracts sooty mould Knock off with a strong water jet; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every few days until no new colonies are found
How do I get rid of whitefly on strobilanthes auriculata var. dyeriana?
Adults scatter when disturbed; nymphs suck sap from undersides, causing yellowing and general decline Use yellow sticky traps; apply pyrethrin-based spray to undersides; for greenhouse or conservatory plants introduce Encarsia formosa biological control