Pest identification
What's eating my tradescantia 'bubblegum'?
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Silvery stippling across leaves dulls and fades the pink-and-cream variegation; fine webbing in heavy infestations
Control: Increase ambient humidity; rinse foliage; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days for 3–4 cycles
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on soft new tips; leaf curl; honeydew drip
Control: Remove by hand; spray with insecticidal soap; repeat after 5–7 days
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus / Planococcus spp.)
Signs: Fluffy white colonies at stem nodes and in leaf axils; sticky honeydew; stunted growth
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol; spray with diluted neem oil; isolate plant from collection
Keep tradescantia 'bubblegum' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tradescantia 'Bubblegum' pests — FAQ
What is eating my tradescantia 'bubblegum'?
Tradescantia 'Bubblegum' — a pink-variegated cultivar — faces the same indoor pest threats as the wider genus. Spider mites are the primary concern, as dry air fades the sought-after pink tones rapidly. Mealybugs and aphids also target tender growth. Keep humidity up and water correctly to minimise risk.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on tradescantia 'bubblegum'?
Silvery stippling across leaves dulls and fades the pink-and-cream variegation; fine webbing in heavy infestations Increase ambient humidity; rinse foliage; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days for 3–4 cycles
How do I get rid of aphids on tradescantia 'bubblegum'?
Clusters on soft new tips; leaf curl; honeydew drip Remove by hand; spray with insecticidal soap; repeat after 5–7 days
How do I get rid of mealybugs (pseudococcus / planococcus spp.) on tradescantia 'bubblegum'?
Fluffy white colonies at stem nodes and in leaf axils; sticky honeydew; stunted growth Dab with isopropyl alcohol; spray with diluted neem oil; isolate plant from collection