Catch pests in the first week and they're easy. Check the undersides of leaves whenever you water — that's where most of them hide.
Identify the pest
| Pest | Looks like | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|
| Fungus gnats | Tiny black flies near soil | Let topsoil dry; sticky traps |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing, speckled leaves | Rinse; wipe with soapy water |
| Mealybugs | White cottony fuzz on stems | Dab with alcohol on a cotton bud |
| Scale | Brown bumps on stems | Scrape off; neem oil |
| Aphids | Clusters on new growth | Spray off; insecticidal soap |
Treat & prevent
- 1
Isolate
Move the affected plant away from the others straight away.
- 2
Clean
Wipe leaves and rinse the plant in the shower to knock numbers down.
- 3
Treat
Use insecticidal soap or neem oil, repeating every 7 days for 3 weeks.
- 4
Prevent
Wipe leaves monthly, avoid soggy soil, and inspect new plants before they join the shelf.
Yellow leaf? Read the clues
🟡 Lower leaves yellow
- Usually over-watering
- Or simply old leaves ageing
- Check soil is drying between drinks
🟤 Brown crispy edges
- Usually dry air or under-watering
- Or fertilizer salt build-up
- Raise humidity, flush the soil
💡
A healthy, well-lit plant shrugs off pests far better than a stressed one. Good light and steady watering are your best pesticide.
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