Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Ivy-leaved cyclamen · Cyclamen hederifolium

Why does my Ivy-leaved cyclamen have pests?

Pests like vine weevils can be a serious problem for cyclamen because the larvae eat the tuber underground. Check the roots if the plant looks stunted or suddenly collapses.

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. Gently tug the plant to see if it is loose in the soil.
  2. Look for small white grubs in the top layer of soil.
  3. Check for fuzzy grey patches on the leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Vine weevil larvae

    Most likely

    How to tell: The plant suddenly wilts or collapses even when the soil is moist. You may find small, white, C-shaped grubs in the soil.

    What to do: If you find larvae, you may need to repot the plant into fresh soil and inspect the tuber for damage. Use a biological control like nematodes if the infestation is severe.

  2. Grey mold

    Possible

    How to tell: Fuzzy grey growth appears on the leaves or stems in damp, stagnant air.

    What to do: Improve air circulation around the plant immediately. Remove any affected leaves and keep the foliage dry when watering.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your ivy-leaved cyclamen

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

Vine weevil damage is very serious and often fatal if the tuber is eaten. Grey mold is manageable if caught early by improving airflow.

Stopping it coming back

Check new plants carefully before bringing them home. Keep the area around your plants clean and well-ventilated.

Ivy-leaved cyclamen: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your ivy-leaved cyclamen 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

Can I use chemicals to kill the weevils?
There are soil drenches available, but biological controls like nematodes are often more effective for home gardeners.
How do I stop grey mold from spreading?
Remove the infected parts immediately and move the plant to a spot with better air movement. Avoid splashing water onto the leaves.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Ivy-leaved cyclamen

Back to the Ivy-leaved cyclamen 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.