Pest identification
What's eating my tradescantia 'lilac'?
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Fine pale stippling on leaves; loss of the lilac colour intensity; webbing under leaves in severe cases
Control: Raise humidity around the plant; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days
Aphids
Signs: Small colonies on new shoots causing distortion; honeydew leads to sooty mould
Control: Blast off with lukewarm water; apply insecticidal soap; check again after a week
Fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.)
Signs: Adults hover at pot surface; larvae damage fine roots, causing yellowing foliage and wilting
Control: Allow compost surface to dry between waterings; use Bti biological drench; place yellow sticky traps near the pot
Keep tradescantia 'lilac' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tradescantia 'Lilac' pests — FAQ
What is eating my tradescantia 'lilac'?
Tradescantia 'Lilac' shares the typical indoor inch-plant pest profile. Spider mites are the most common problem, especially in centrally heated rooms, causing the soft lilac-toned foliage to look washed-out. Aphids and mealybugs may also attack; fungus gnats indicate the compost is staying too wet.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on tradescantia 'lilac'?
Fine pale stippling on leaves; loss of the lilac colour intensity; webbing under leaves in severe cases Raise humidity around the plant; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of aphids on tradescantia 'lilac'?
Small colonies on new shoots causing distortion; honeydew leads to sooty mould Blast off with lukewarm water; apply insecticidal soap; check again after a week
How do I get rid of fungus gnats (bradysia spp.) on tradescantia 'lilac'?
Adults hover at pot surface; larvae damage fine roots, causing yellowing foliage and wilting Allow compost surface to dry between waterings; use Bti biological drench; place yellow sticky traps near the pot