Pest identification
What's eating my tillandsia aeranthos?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits in the tightly packed leaf axils; leaves yellow; growth slows
Control: Isolate the plant; dab all visible bugs with a 70% alcohol swab; repeat weekly for 3-4 weeks; allow to dry fully after watering
Scale insects
Signs: Flat or raised waxy bumps on leaves and stems; sticky honeydew and possible black sooty mould
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush or toothpick; wipe with alcohol; apply diluted neem oil as a preventive follow-up
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing between the densely packed leaves; silver stippling on leaf surfaces
Control: Rinse with lukewarm water; mist regularly; apply diluted neem oil spray and repeat after one week
Keep tillandsia aeranthos pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tillandsia aeranthos pests — FAQ
What is eating my tillandsia aeranthos?
Tillandsia aeranthos is an easy-care indoor air plant most threatened by mealybugs, which hide in its compact, spiky rosette. Scale insects and spider mites can occur in dry indoor conditions. Regularly inspect the inner leaf axils, treat infestations immediately with isopropyl alcohol swabs, and ensure good airflow to prevent reinfestation.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on tillandsia aeranthos?
White cottony deposits in the tightly packed leaf axils; leaves yellow; growth slows Isolate the plant; dab all visible bugs with a 70% alcohol swab; repeat weekly for 3-4 weeks; allow to dry fully after watering
How do I get rid of scale insects on tillandsia aeranthos?
Flat or raised waxy bumps on leaves and stems; sticky honeydew and possible black sooty mould Scrape off with a soft toothbrush or toothpick; wipe with alcohol; apply diluted neem oil as a preventive follow-up
How do I get rid of spider mites on tillandsia aeranthos?
Fine webbing between the densely packed leaves; silver stippling on leaf surfaces Rinse with lukewarm water; mist regularly; apply diluted neem oil spray and repeat after one week