Pest identification
What's eating my tradescantia fluminensis 'variegata'?
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Silvery stippling dulls the variegated foliage; webbing on undersides; leaves become papery and drop in heavy infestations
Control: Mist foliage frequently or relocate to a more humid spot; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days; repeat 3–4 times
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus / Planococcus spp.)
Signs: Cottony white deposits at leaf-stem junctions; honeydew; slow stunted growth
Control: Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray; isolate the plant and check neighbouring plants
Fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.)
Signs: Tiny flies hovering at compost surface; larvae nibble roots causing poor vigour
Control: Allow compost to partially dry between waterings; apply Bti nematode drench; yellow sticky traps catch adults
Keep tradescantia fluminensis 'variegata' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats inch plant — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common tradescantia fluminensis 'variegata' problems & fixes
- Tradescantia fluminensis 'Variegata' watering schedule
- Tradescantia fluminensis 'Variegata' light requirements
- Full tradescantia fluminensis 'variegata' care guide
Tradescantia fluminensis 'Variegata' pests — FAQ
What is eating my tradescantia fluminensis 'variegata'?
Tradescantia fluminensis 'Variegata' shares the same indoor pest profile as other Tradescantia cultivars. Spider mites are the biggest threat in warm, dry rooms, bleaching the cream-and-green variegation. Mealybugs lodge at leaf nodes, and fungus gnats thrive if compost stays too wet.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on tradescantia fluminensis 'variegata'?
Silvery stippling dulls the variegated foliage; webbing on undersides; leaves become papery and drop in heavy infestations Mist foliage frequently or relocate to a more humid spot; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days; repeat 3–4 times
How do I get rid of mealybugs (pseudococcus / planococcus spp.) on tradescantia fluminensis 'variegata'?
Cottony white deposits at leaf-stem junctions; honeydew; slow stunted growth Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray; isolate the plant and check neighbouring plants
How do I get rid of fungus gnats (bradysia spp.) on tradescantia fluminensis 'variegata'?
Tiny flies hovering at compost surface; larvae nibble roots causing poor vigour Allow compost to partially dry between waterings; apply Bti nematode drench; yellow sticky traps catch adults