aphids on Tradescantia
Quick answer
If your Tradescantia has aphids, the most likely cause is: Aphids are listed among the pests that trouble Tradescantia; their colonies settle on the soft new leaves and stems of wandering varieties where their piercing mouthparts and sticky honeydew cause spotting and discoloration on the variegated cream and green foliage.
Start here:
- 1. Pinch off badly affected stems and tips as soon as aphids are spotted on the new growth, then rinse the plant with a fine spray of water to dislodge remaining insects and honeydew.
- 2. Treat with a contact or systemic insecticide, repeating the application at intervals to kill the young insects that hatch after the first spray and break the breeding cycle.
Why Tradescantia gets aphids
Tradescantia spp. / wandering dude
Aphids are listed among the pests that trouble Tradescantia; their colonies settle on the soft new leaves and stems of wandering varieties where their piercing mouthparts and sticky honeydew cause spotting and discoloration on the variegated cream and green foliage.
How to reverse aphids on Tradescantia
- 1
Pinch off badly affected stems and tips as soon as aphids are spotted on the new growth, then rinse the plant with a fine spray of water to dislodge remaining insects and honeydew.
- 2
Treat with a contact or systemic insecticide, repeating the application at intervals to kill the young insects that hatch after the first spray and break the breeding cycle.
Keep aphids off this Tradescantia
Inspect the undersides of new leaves and stem tips regularly during spring and summer when aphids are most active, isolate any new plant before adding it to the collection, and rinse foliage periodically to discourage aphid establishment.