What's eating my tradescantia mundula?

Tradescantia mundula, like most spiderworts, is mainly targeted by spider mites and aphids indoors. Fungus gnats can also be an issue if the soil stays too wet. The vigorous trailing stems make this plant fairly resilient, but spider mites can spread rapidly in hot, dry conditions.

Pale stippling and silvery bronzing on leaves; fine webbing on stems and undersides, particularly in low-humidity rooms. Mist foliage and improve humidity; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days until eradicated.

Clusters of small soft-bodied insects on new growth tips; distorted shoots, sticky honeydew, and possible sooty mould. Blast off with a strong water spray; treat with insecticidal soap or a diluted neem drench, repeating weekly.

Tiny dark flies hovering around soil; larvae damage fine roots causing sudden yellowing and limp stems. Reduce watering frequency; use yellow sticky traps and apply Bti-based soil drench (e.g., Gnatrol) to kill larvae.