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Swedish ivy · Plectranthus australis

Why are there white fuzzy spots on my Swedish ivy?

If you see small, cottony white patches on your plant, you likely have mealybugs. These pests hide in the nooks where leaves meet the stems and suck the sap right out of your ivy.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the leaf undersides and stem joints closely.
  2. Check neighboring plants for the same white fuzzy spots.
  3. Isolate the plant immediately to stop the spread.

Likely causes

  1. Mealybug infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: Look for white, waxy, or cottony masses on the undersides of leaves and along the stems.

    What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the bugs to kill them instantly. Follow up by spraying the entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days for a month.

  2. Scale insects

    Possible

    How to tell: These look like small, hard brown bumps that do not move and are often mistaken for part of the stem.

    What to do: Scrape the bumps off gently with your fingernail or a soft brush. Wipe the stems down with a cloth soaked in mild soapy water to remove any remaining residue.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your swedish ivy

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If the infestation covers the entire plant and leaves are turning yellow or dropping, it is a serious emergency. A few stray bugs are manageable if you catch them early.

Stopping it coming back

Wipe down your plant leaves with a damp cloth once a month to remove dust and spot new pests early. Keep new plants in quarantine for 2 weeks before placing them near your Swedish ivy.

Swedish ivy: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your swedish ivy and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I just wash the bugs off?
A strong spray of water can help dislodge them, but it rarely kills the entire population. You must use alcohol or soap to ensure they are actually gone.
Will my plant recover?
Yes, Swedish ivy is quite resilient. Once the pests are gone, the plant will push out new, healthy growth within a few weeks.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Swedish ivy

Back to the Swedish ivy guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.