Pest identification
What's eating my tillandsia funckiana?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters along the stem where narrow leaves attach; weakened shoots; new growth stunted
Control: Dab directly with 70% isopropyl alcohol; repeat each week until no signs remain; improve air circulation
Scale insects
Signs: Tiny dome-shaped waxy bumps on the thin leaves or main stem; honeydew and mould if unchecked
Control: Remove manually; treat with alcohol swab; follow up with a diluted neem oil spray
Spider mites
Signs: Very fine webbing bridging the needle leaves; stippled, dulled leaf colour
Control: Rinse with water; increase humidity; apply diluted neem oil spray and repeat after 7 days
Keep tillandsia funckiana pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tillandsia funckiana pests — FAQ
What is eating my tillandsia funckiana?
Tillandsia funckiana, with its needle-like leaves, is less hospitable to most pests than broad-leafed air plants, but mealybugs can still colonise the leaf axils along its elongated stems. Scale insects and spider mites are occasional threats in dry indoor air. Treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs and ensure thorough drying after watering.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on tillandsia funckiana?
White cottony clusters along the stem where narrow leaves attach; weakened shoots; new growth stunted Dab directly with 70% isopropyl alcohol; repeat each week until no signs remain; improve air circulation
How do I get rid of scale insects on tillandsia funckiana?
Tiny dome-shaped waxy bumps on the thin leaves or main stem; honeydew and mould if unchecked Remove manually; treat with alcohol swab; follow up with a diluted neem oil spray
How do I get rid of spider mites on tillandsia funckiana?
Very fine webbing bridging the needle leaves; stippled, dulled leaf colour Rinse with water; increase humidity; apply diluted neem oil spray and repeat after 7 days