Hello there! I have recently bought a beautiful Pachira Aquatica. However, I suspect something is munching at the leaves. I have been observing and personally I don't think it has deteriorated since I bought it, although my husband thinks something is still nibbling away. Any ideas on what it might be or how to manage it? Thanks in advance!
Are there tiny 'bites' out of the leaves or not? If you can't see any bugs on close inspection, and there isn't a pattern of bites, and you think it looks healthy, don't do anything, but if there is a problem, an insecticide for houseplants might help, but I'd be very careful what you use and follow directions on the label, or else just mix up 1-2 drops of dishwashing liquid in a liter or so of water, and spray it on - less chance of harming the plant. But use a magnifying glass to really examine it all - after dark with a spotlight turned on just before you look, so you can see anything that might be nibbling.
Thanks Rima - this is really helpful. The plant was bought for me and arrived with definate bite marks, however I don't think they've increased so I'm wondering if the shop it was bought from had already dealt with problem before it was bought? My husband however thinks the bites have increased. I will definately inspect in dark tonight as you suggested. In all other respects the plant is positively blooming!
