scale insects on Croton
Quick answer
If your Croton has scale insects, the most likely cause is: Scale insects colonise the stems and undersides of croton (Codiaeum variegatum) leaves, becoming covered with off-white scales interspersed with orange scales that mark the young insects feeding on the plant sap.
Start here:
- 1. Swab the infected stems and leaf undersides of the croton with cotton wool soaked in methylated spirits, the most effective way to combat scale insects because the alcohol reaches beneath the protective waxy scales and kills the insect beneath.
- 2. Repeat the methylated spirits swabbing often because the orange young scales indicate successive generations emerging under the off-white cover, and physical removal of the scale insects needs repeating often to fully clear an infestation.
Why Croton gets scale insects
Codiaeum variegatum
Scale insects colonise the stems and undersides of croton (Codiaeum variegatum) leaves, becoming covered with off-white scales interspersed with orange scales that mark the young insects feeding on the plant sap.
How to reverse scale insects on Croton
- 1
Swab the infected stems and leaf undersides of the croton with cotton wool soaked in methylated spirits, the most effective way to combat scale insects because the alcohol reaches beneath the protective waxy scales and kills the insect beneath.
- 2
Repeat the methylated spirits swabbing often because the orange young scales indicate successive generations emerging under the off-white cover, and physical removal of the scale insects needs repeating often to fully clear an infestation.
Keep scale insects off this Croton
Inspect new plants regularly for early signs of habitation, including leaf joints and stems where scale insects first establish; quarantine any infested plants and treat them with cotton wool swabs before introducing them to the rest of the house plant collection.