Will these bugs spread to my other plants?

Yes, mealybugs can easily crawl to nearby plants. Keep the infected plant in a separate room until it is completely clear.

Can I use dish soap to kill them?

A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but rubbing alcohol is more effective for spot treating mealybugs.

Emerald Ripple Peperomia: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely in the deep folds of the crinkled leaves.
Check the undersides of the leaves for sticky residue.
Isolate the plant from your other houseplants.

Likely causes

Mealybugs
Most likely
How to tell: You see small, white, cottony masses in the leaf joints or undersides of leaves.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the pests to kill them. Repeat this every few days until you no longer see any bugs.
New Plant Infestation
Possible
How to tell: Pests appear shortly after bringing a new plant home.
What to do: Isolate the affected plant from your others immediately. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the label instructions carefully.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your emerald ripple peperomia

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.

When to worry

If you see a heavy infestation covering the entire plant, it may be difficult to save. A few bugs are easy to manage with regular cleaning.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect new plants before bringing them home. Wipe down leaves periodically with a damp cloth to keep them clean and pest free.

Emerald Ripple Peperomia: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your emerald ripple peperomia 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.

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

Questions people ask

Will these bugs spread to my other plants?: Yes, mealybugs can easily crawl to nearby plants. Keep the infected plant in a separate room until it is completely clear.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?: A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but rubbing alcohol is more effective for spot treating mealybugs.

Guides to these causes

Mealybugs

What are these white spots on my Emerald Ripple Peperomia?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your emerald ripple peperomia?