---
title: "What bug is causing the silver spots on my cochleus, it's happening…"
description: "What bug is causing the silver spots on my cochleus, it's happening to both of them and the pothos next to it but no silver spots just holes"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/bJw9tCOFsbi9TaQLvRw0bx"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Ev_luv6"
published: "2025-10-30T15:23:28.651215Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/-bB0fbSaoI5YdEYZ_qDQHVGfVTSSOXHw1HUUa5Hc1YY/o4c_OHjyS6qiSG5XvgBtkQ.webp?size=large"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Pests, diseases and problems](https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ.md)

# What bug is causing the silver spots on my cochleus, it's happening…

_Posted by Ev\_luv6 on 2025-10-30_

What bug is causing the silver spots on my cochleus, it's happening to both of them and the pothos next to it but no silver spots just holes

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/-bB0fbSaoI5YdEYZ_qDQHVGfVTSSOXHw1HUUa5Hc1YY/o4c_OHjyS6qiSG5XvgBtkQ.webp?size=large)

## 13 comments

### Ellie commented on 2025-10-30

They look like spring tail eggs, if they are there is no need to worry

#### Ev\_luv6 replied on 2025-10-30

I've rubbed it and they don't move

#### Ev\_luv6 replied on 2025-10-30

It's also on multiple leaves

### Ellie commented on 2025-10-31

Ok I just asked my cousin cause she had the same problem last year and I showed her the picture and she said it looks exactly like hers did last year. It’s a pest infestation

#### Ev\_luv6 replied on 2025-10-31

Well what pest is it? 🥲

### Ellie commented on 2025-10-31

Let me ask her

### Ellie commented on 2025-10-31

She said it’s thrips

#### Ev\_luv6 replied on 2025-10-31

😭😭😭 whyyyyyyyyy

### Ellie commented on 2025-10-31

Treating a plant for thrips involves a combination of methods, including physical removal, natural remedies, and chemical controls. The image shows a Coleus plant, which is susceptible to these pests

### Ellie commented on 2025-10-31

Here are some ways to treat it that my cousin used:

Prune damaged areas: Remove and dispose of any heavily infested leaves or stems to reduce the thrips population.  
Use insecticidal soap or neem oil: These are effective and environmentally friendly options. They work by suffocating the insects. You can purchase these products or create a DIY spray with water, a few drops of dish soap, and neem oil.  
Apply diatomaceous earth: This can be applied to the leaves, stems, and soil. It is a natural powder that dehydrates and kills the thrips.  
Use chemical pesticides: For severe infestations, chemical insecticides containing ingredients like acephate, bifenthrin, imidacloprid, or spinosad can be used. Be sure to follow the label instructions carefully, as multiple applications are often needed.  
Repot the plant: Thrips can spend part of their life cycle in the soil. Repotting the plant with fresh, unaffected soil after washing the roots can help to eliminate the infestation

#### Ev\_luv6 replied on 2025-10-31

Thank you, what would be considered insecticidal soap, and I cut it early so I don't think I'll have to prune any leaves

### Ellie commented on 2025-10-31

Insecticidal soap is a pesticide that can be used to treat plant pests like thrips. It is a solution containing potassium salts of fatty acids that works by breaking down the exoskeleton of soft-bodied insects, causing them to dehydrate and die

### Ev\_luv6 commented on 2025-10-31

It's not thrips it's caterpillars actually I found like three so far but I'm gonna give them proper treatment

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