Pest identification
What's eating my trailing elephant bush?
Mealybugs
Signs: White woolly clusters in leaf axils and branch forks; leaves yellow and fall prematurely
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with diluted neem oil weekly; remove heavily infested stems if needed
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny pale dots on leaf surfaces; fine webbing between leaves in very dry air
Control: Spray plant thoroughly with insecticidal soap, including undersides; increase humidity; repeat every 5–7 days for three cycles
Scale insects
Signs: Waxy brown bumps on woody stems; honeydew drips cause sooty mould on lower leaves
Control: Scrape off physically; wipe with alcohol; apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray every 10–14 days
Keep trailing elephant bush pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Trailing Elephant Bush pests — FAQ
What is eating my trailing elephant bush?
Trailing Elephant Bush is generally robust but mealybugs are its most common indoor pest, targeting leaf axils and stem joints along trailing branches. Spider mites can attack in dry, heated conditions. When grown outdoors in warm climates, scale insects occasionally establish on woody stems. Keep air moving and do not overwater to reduce pest pressure.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on trailing elephant bush?
White woolly clusters in leaf axils and branch forks; leaves yellow and fall prematurely Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with diluted neem oil weekly; remove heavily infested stems if needed
How do I get rid of spider mites on trailing elephant bush?
Tiny pale dots on leaf surfaces; fine webbing between leaves in very dry air Spray plant thoroughly with insecticidal soap, including undersides; increase humidity; repeat every 5–7 days for three cycles
How do I get rid of scale insects on trailing elephant bush?
Waxy brown bumps on woody stems; honeydew drips cause sooty mould on lower leaves Scrape off physically; wipe with alcohol; apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray every 10–14 days