Pachira (Money Tree) Leaf Damage: Caterpillars or Something Else?

Indoor Pachira leaves being eaten. Owner suspects earwigs/caterpillars. Bug spray (Trounce) and soil bait (Insectigone) tried. Found crumpled leaf with white cottony webbing underneath.

Evidence Analysis

• Earwigs: Rarely eat living leaves; prefer decaying matter
• Caterpillars: Should be visible; some nocturnal, hide in soil/day
• White webbing: Suggests spider mites (fine webbing) or mealybugs (cottony)
• Rounded leaf damage: Not typical insect chewing (jagged)
• Indoor only, 4-5' tall, cats can't reach

Most Likely: Spider Mites + Environmental Stress

Spider mites cause stippling, bronzing, leaf drop—can look like "eaten" areas. Webbing on leaf undersides confirms. Thrive in dry indoor heat.

Systematic Investigation

1. White paper test: Tap leaves over paper—moving specks = mites
2. Magnify: 10x hand lens for mites, eggs, webbing
3. Check soil surface: For caterpillars hiding by day
4. Night inspection: Flashlight for nocturnal feeders

Targeted Treatment

• Spider mites: Insecticidal soap or neem oil, 3 applications 5 days apart, thorough underside coverage. Increase humidity.
• Caterpillars: Hand-pick at night; Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if confirmed
• Mealybugs: Alcohol swabs, systemic imidacloprid soil drench

Cultural Fixes

• Pachira prefers bright light, dry-down between waterings
• Repot if root-bound (check drainage)
• Reduce stress = fewer pest problems

Find the pest first—don't spray blindly. Indoor single-plant infestations are usually manually manageable.