Pest identification
What's eating my strobilanthes gossypinus?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale speckling on the upper leaf surface; webbing on undersides; plant looks silvery or bleached
Control: Increase humidity; rinse foliage gently (avoid waterlogging hairy leaves); spray with neem oil or miticide; repeat every 7 days
Mealybugs
Signs: Waxy white fluff hidden within hairy stems and leaf bases; yellowing and slow decline
Control: Use a fine-tipped alcohol-dipped cotton swab to reach into the hairs; follow with neem oil spray; inspect every week
Aphids
Signs: Soft pests massing on tender shoot tips; distorted new leaves and sticky honeydew
Control: Knock off with a firm water spray; apply insecticidal soap; repeat as needed until new growth emerges clean
Keep strobilanthes gossypinus pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Strobilanthes gossypinus pests — FAQ
What is eating my strobilanthes gossypinus?
Strobilanthes gossypinus, the silver Strobilanthes, is a tropical foliage plant with silvery hairy leaves. Its main indoor pests are spider mites and mealybugs; the dense leaf hairs can make mealybugs harder to spot. Outdoors, aphids may target soft new growth. Inspect regularly under leaves and in stem joints.
How do I get rid of spider mites on strobilanthes gossypinus?
Pale speckling on the upper leaf surface; webbing on undersides; plant looks silvery or bleached Increase humidity; rinse foliage gently (avoid waterlogging hairy leaves); spray with neem oil or miticide; repeat every 7 days
How do I get rid of mealybugs on strobilanthes gossypinus?
Waxy white fluff hidden within hairy stems and leaf bases; yellowing and slow decline Use a fine-tipped alcohol-dipped cotton swab to reach into the hairs; follow with neem oil spray; inspect every week
How do I get rid of aphids on strobilanthes gossypinus?
Soft pests massing on tender shoot tips; distorted new leaves and sticky honeydew Knock off with a firm water spray; apply insecticidal soap; repeat as needed until new growth emerges clean