Pest identification
What's eating my tetrastigma voinierianum?
Spider mites
Signs: Bronze stippling across the large compound leaves; webbing visible on undersides and between leaflets in dry conditions.
Control: Raise ambient humidity; spray undersides thoroughly with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days for 3–4 rounds.
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses in the felted stem joints and at leaf petiole bases; sticky honeydew and sooty mould.
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray to all stems and leaf joints every 10–14 days.
Scale insects
Signs: Hard brown bumps on mature stems and along midribs; gradual yellowing and dieback of older growth.
Control: Scrub off with a toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply horticultural oil spray every 2 weeks until clear.
Keep tetrastigma voinierianum pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tetrastigma voinierianum pests — FAQ
What is eating my tetrastigma voinierianum?
Tetrastigma voinierianum (chestnut vine or lizard plant) is a fast-growing indoor climber most threatened by spider mites, which exploit the large leaf surface. Mealybugs settle in the felty stem joints, and scale insects can build up on mature woody stems. Good air circulation and monthly inspections will keep this vigorous vine healthy.
How do I get rid of spider mites on tetrastigma voinierianum?
Bronze stippling across the large compound leaves; webbing visible on undersides and between leaflets in dry conditions. Raise ambient humidity; spray undersides thoroughly with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days for 3–4 rounds.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on tetrastigma voinierianum?
White cottony masses in the felted stem joints and at leaf petiole bases; sticky honeydew and sooty mould. Dab with isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray to all stems and leaf joints every 10–14 days.
How do I get rid of scale insects on tetrastigma voinierianum?
Hard brown bumps on mature stems and along midribs; gradual yellowing and dieback of older growth. Scrub off with a toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply horticultural oil spray every 2 weeks until clear.