Pest identification
What's eating my tillandsia stricta?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white masses at leaf bases; sticky residue; leaves yellow and lose firmness
Control: Dab each bug with a 70% alcohol-soaked swab; rinse plant after treatment; repeat weekly until clear
Scale insects
Signs: Small, flat or domed waxy bumps on leaves; leaves may yellow and drop early
Control: Scrape off with a toothpick, then wipe with alcohol; apply diluted neem oil spray as follow-up
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing between leaves and stippled silver patches on leaf surfaces
Control: Rinse thoroughly with water; mist more frequently; apply neem oil if infestation persists after rinsing
Keep tillandsia stricta pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tillandsia stricta pests — FAQ
What is eating my tillandsia stricta?
Tillandsia stricta is a robust indoor air plant but can fall victim to mealybugs in its dense leaf rosette and scale insects on its thin leaves. Spider mites appear during dry winter months. Regular inspection, good air circulation, and quarterly rinses are the best prevention; treat outbreaks promptly with isopropyl alcohol.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on tillandsia stricta?
Cottony white masses at leaf bases; sticky residue; leaves yellow and lose firmness Dab each bug with a 70% alcohol-soaked swab; rinse plant after treatment; repeat weekly until clear
How do I get rid of scale insects on tillandsia stricta?
Small, flat or domed waxy bumps on leaves; leaves may yellow and drop early Scrape off with a toothpick, then wipe with alcohol; apply diluted neem oil spray as follow-up
How do I get rid of spider mites on tillandsia stricta?
Fine webbing between leaves and stippled silver patches on leaf surfaces Rinse thoroughly with water; mist more frequently; apply neem oil if infestation persists after rinsing