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Coleus · Plectranthus scutellarioides

Why are there pests on my coleus?

Mealybugs are the most common pests for coleus, appearing as small white cottony spots. Check the leaf axils and undersides of leaves for these intruders.

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the leaf axils.
  2. Check the undersides of the leaves.
  3. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.

Likely causes

  1. Mealybugs

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see white, fuzzy masses in the joints where leaves meet the stem.

    What to do: Dab the bugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this process every few days until you no longer see them.

  2. Low Humidity

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant looks stressed and attracts pests more easily.

    What to do: Group your plants together to create a more humid environment. You can also use a pebble tray to increase moisture around the foliage.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your coleus

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 you see a heavy infestation covering the whole plant, it may be best to prune the affected parts. Isolated spots are easy to manage.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect new plants before bringing them home and wipe down leaves regularly to keep them clean.

Coleus: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your coleus 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

Do mealybugs spread to other plants?
Yes, they can crawl to nearby plants. Isolate your coleus until the pests are gone.
Can I use soap to kill pests?
A mild insecticidal soap works well for many pests. Follow the label instructions carefully.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Coleus

Back to the Coleus 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.