Most Common Money Plant Pests:
Identification and Treatment Guide

Money plants, also known as Pilea peperomioides, are popular houseplants known for their unique round leaves and easy-care nature. However, like any other plant, money plants can fall victim to various pests that can damage their health and appearance. In this article, we will discuss the most common money plant pests, how to identify them, and effective treatment methods to keep your plant healthy and thriving.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny pests that belong to the arachnid family. They are difficult to see with the naked eye but can cause significant damage to money plants. These pests feed on the plant’s sap, resulting in yellowing leaves, webbing on the underside of leaves, and stunted growth.

To identify spider mites on your money plant, inspect the leaves closely. Look for tiny brown or yellow specks on the leaves’ surface and examine the undersides for fine webbing. Additionally, if you tap an infested leaf over a white piece of paper, you may notice small moving dots resembling dust particles.

To treat spider mites infestation, start by isolating the affected plant to prevent the spread of pests. Wash the leaves gently with a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water to remove the mites manually. Alternatively, you can use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control these pests effectively.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are another common pest that money plants may encounter. These soft-bodied insects are small and covered in a white waxy substance, making them resemble bits of cotton or meal. Mealybugs typically gather in clusters on the stems and leaf joints.

To identify mealybugs on your money plant, look for cotton-like masses or small white insects on the plant’s surface. Mealybugs suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing yellowing, wilting, and distorted growth.

To treat a mealybug infestation, the first step is to isolate the affected plant. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the bugs manually. Alternatively, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to control these pests effectively.

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that often appear in clusters on new growth, buds, and undersides of leaves. These pests can be green, black, brown, or yellow in color. Aphids feed on the sap of money plants, causing distorted and curled leaves, stunted growth, and the presence of sticky honeydew on the leaves.

To identify aphids on your money plant, examine the plant closely for clusters of small insects on the leaves and stems. You may also notice curled or deformed leaves as a result of their feeding.

To control an aphid infestation, start by isolating the affected plant. Use a strong stream of water to dislodge the aphids from the plant. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can also be used as effective treatments against aphids.

Scale Insects

Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to the money plant’s stems and leaves. They appear as small bumps or scales and can range in color from brown to tan. Scale insects feed on the plant’s sap and cause yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and overall weakened growth.

To identify scale insects on your money plant, look for small bumps or scales on the stems and leaves. These bumps can vary in size and color depending on the species.

To treat a scale insect infestation, scrape off the scales using a soft cloth or toothbrush dipped in soapy water. You can also use neem oil or horticultural oil spray to control these pests effectively.

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats are tiny black flies that are often found buzzing around the soil of potted plants, including money plants. These pests lay their eggs in moist soil, and their larvae feed on the plant’s roots, causing root damage and stunted growth.

To identify fungus gnats on your money plant, look for tiny black flies hovering around the soil or resting on the leaves. You may also notice small white larvae in the soil.

To control a fungus gnat infestation, allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings to discourage egg-laying. Use sticky traps to catch adult gnats and remove any affected topsoil to eliminate larvae. Additionally, you can use beneficial nematodes or insecticidal soap to control these pests effectively.

In conclusion, while money plants are relatively easy to care for, they are not immune to pest infestations. Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, scale insects, and fungus gnats are some of the most common pests that can affect money plants. By promptly identifying these pests and implementing appropriate treatment methods, you can keep your money plant healthy and thriving. Regularly inspect your plants, maintain good hygiene practices, and provide them with proper care to prevent pest infestations from occurring in the first place.