Pest identification
What's eating my vriesea 'christine'?
Scale insects
Signs: Flat or domed waxy bumps on leaves and the flower spike; sticky honeydew and grey mould
Control: Scrape off manually with a soft toothbrush and rubbing alcohol; treat with horticultural oil to catch crawlers
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony fluff in leaf axils and at the base; yellow discolouration and slowed growth
Control: Apply isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab; spray with diluted neem oil every 7–10 days until clear
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny pale flecks covering leaf surfaces; webbing visible in severe cases near the leaf tips
Control: Mist leaves and increase humidity; apply insecticidal soap spray on both surfaces, repeating weekly
Keep vriesea 'christine' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Vriesea 'Christine' pests — FAQ
What is eating my vriesea 'christine'?
Vriesea 'Christine' is a hybrid tank bromeliad that can fall victim to scale insects sheltering under its arching leaves and mealybugs lodged in leaf axils. Spider mites are a risk in dry, heated indoor air. Empty and refill the central cup every 1–2 weeks and check leaf bases at each watering.
How do I get rid of scale insects on vriesea 'christine'?
Flat or domed waxy bumps on leaves and the flower spike; sticky honeydew and grey mould Scrape off manually with a soft toothbrush and rubbing alcohol; treat with horticultural oil to catch crawlers
How do I get rid of mealybugs on vriesea 'christine'?
White cottony fluff in leaf axils and at the base; yellow discolouration and slowed growth Apply isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab; spray with diluted neem oil every 7–10 days until clear
How do I get rid of spider mites on vriesea 'christine'?
Tiny pale flecks covering leaf surfaces; webbing visible in severe cases near the leaf tips Mist leaves and increase humidity; apply insecticidal soap spray on both surfaces, repeating weekly