What's eating my wandering dude?

Wandering dude (Tradescantia zebrina) is rarely troubled by many pests, but spider mites are the main indoor threat, particularly when air is dry. Mealybugs occasionally shelter in leaf axils, and aphids may attack soft new growth near bright windows. The plant's vigorous growth means mild infestations are usually outpaced by the plant itself.

Tiny yellow or white stipples on leaves; fine webbing under leaves; leaf surfaces lose their vibrant colour and look dull. Rinse stems under running water; increase humidity; spray with insecticidal soap or dilute neem oil every 7 days for 3 weeks.

White waxy fluff at stem nodes and leaf axils; leaves may yellow; sticky residue attracts sooty mould. Dab colonies with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol; follow with an insecticidal soap spray; trim heavily infested stems if needed.

Clusters of soft green or black insects on new shoot tips; distorted or curled tender leaves; sticky honeydew on stems. Blast off with a water spray; apply insecticidal soap; natural predators (ladybirds / ladybugs) handle them quickly if the plant is moved outdoors in summer.