Pest identification
What's eating my tradescantia blossfeldiana?
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Pale stippling turns the rich leaf colours dull; fine webbing on leaf undersides; growth slows
Control: Raise humidity; wipe leaves; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 5–7 days for at least 3 applications
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied colonies on actively growing tips; distorted new leaves; sticky residue
Control: Rinse off with water; insecticidal soap spray; repeat after 5 days if needed
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus / Planococcus spp.)
Signs: White waxy wool at nodes and where leaves attach to stems; slow decline and honeydew deposits
Control: Treat with alcohol swab; follow up with neem oil; isolate until clear
Keep tradescantia blossfeldiana pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tradescantia blossfeldiana pests — FAQ
What is eating my tradescantia blossfeldiana?
Tradescantia blossfeldiana (Cerinthoides group, inch plant) is a robust houseplant most threatened by spider mites, which sap the deep purple and olive foliage of colour. Aphids colonise new tips, mealybugs hide at nodes, and fungus gnats exploit overwatered compost. Good airflow and controlled watering keep most pests at bay.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on tradescantia blossfeldiana?
Pale stippling turns the rich leaf colours dull; fine webbing on leaf undersides; growth slows Raise humidity; wipe leaves; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 5–7 days for at least 3 applications
How do I get rid of aphids on tradescantia blossfeldiana?
Soft-bodied colonies on actively growing tips; distorted new leaves; sticky residue Rinse off with water; insecticidal soap spray; repeat after 5 days if needed
How do I get rid of mealybugs (pseudococcus / planococcus spp.) on tradescantia blossfeldiana?
White waxy wool at nodes and where leaves attach to stems; slow decline and honeydew deposits Treat with alcohol swab; follow up with neem oil; isolate until clear