Pest identification
What's eating my tillandsia caput-medusae?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy fluff inside the hollow leaf bases; plant weakens, leaves may rot if infestation is heavy
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; repeat weekly; shake out excess water from the bulbous base after each soak to prevent moisture traps
Scale insects
Signs: Hard brown bumps on outer leaf surfaces; sticky honeydew; possible sooty mold
Control: Remove manually with a soft brush or toothpick; treat remaining scales with an alcohol swab; follow with diluted neem oil
Spider mites
Signs: Silvery stippling and fine webbing on leaf surfaces; worst in low humidity, warm rooms
Control: Rinse under gentle running water; increase humidity; apply diluted neem oil spray and repeat after 7 days
Keep tillandsia caput-medusae pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tillandsia caput-medusae pests — FAQ
What is eating my tillandsia caput-medusae?
Tillandsia caput-medusae is an indoor air plant most vulnerable to mealybugs, which shelter inside its hollow, tentacle-like leaf bases. Scale insects and spider mites also occur in dry indoor conditions. Treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs directly on pests, ensure good airflow after watering, and allow the plant to dry fully between soaks.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on tillandsia caput-medusae?
White waxy fluff inside the hollow leaf bases; plant weakens, leaves may rot if infestation is heavy Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; repeat weekly; shake out excess water from the bulbous base after each soak to prevent moisture traps
How do I get rid of scale insects on tillandsia caput-medusae?
Hard brown bumps on outer leaf surfaces; sticky honeydew; possible sooty mold Remove manually with a soft brush or toothpick; treat remaining scales with an alcohol swab; follow with diluted neem oil
How do I get rid of spider mites on tillandsia caput-medusae?
Silvery stippling and fine webbing on leaf surfaces; worst in low humidity, warm rooms Rinse under gentle running water; increase humidity; apply diluted neem oil spray and repeat after 7 days