Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Ti Plant · Cordyline fruticosa

How do I get rid of pests on my Ti Plant?

Spider mites are the most common pest for Ti Plants, especially in dry indoor environments. They are tiny and hard to see, but they leave clear signs of their presence. Check the undersides of the leaves for webbing.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny moving dots.
  2. Look for fine, silky webbing near the leaf joints.
  3. Check if the leaves look dusty or speckled.

Likely causes

  1. Spider mites

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will notice tiny yellow stippling or dots on the leaves. Fine webbing may also appear between the stems or under the leaves.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to the foliage every 7 days until the infestation is gone.

  2. Dry air

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is healthy otherwise, but the air in the room is consistently very dry. This environment encourages spider mites to multiply quickly.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant using a tray of pebbles and water. Regularly misting the plant can also help deter these pests.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your ti plant

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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

If you see heavy webbing and the leaves are turning pale or dropping, the infestation is severe. Act quickly to save the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the leaves clean by wiping them occasionally and maintain moderate humidity levels.

Ti Plant: pests? Check yours with a photo

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

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are spider mites harmful to humans?
No, spider mites are not harmful to humans or pets. They only feed on plant sap.
How often should I treat for mites?
Treat once a week for at least 3 weeks. This ensures you catch any new mites that hatch from eggs after your first treatment.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Ti Plant

Back to the Ti Plant 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.