---
title: "Hey guys, I’ve been trying to treat my Croton Petra from thrips. This…"
description: "Hey guys, I’ve been trying to treat my Croton Petra from thrips. This is week 3 and I’m lowkey contemplating if I can still save the plant. I’ve been spraying…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/icKuLpfiE2GdSL4z42BCi0"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Marc M"
published: "2026-07-21T01:19:54.573887Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/-Q4eboiBNZMCDyN_MtvEMirnhJhvimbyoe2psbOSpEE/67xVsltQQnWsBa0AnIrT-w.webp?size=large"
---

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

# Hey guys, I’ve been trying to treat my Croton Petra from thrips. This…

_Posted by Marc M on 2026-07-21_

Hey guys, I’ve been trying to treat my Croton Petra from thrips. This is week 3 and I’m lowkey contemplating if I can still save the plant.

I’ve been spraying the soil and leaves with neem oil for the past two weeks. I just did an oil drench as kinda a last resort.

Any hopeful stories or advice? Just trying to be a better plant dad haha

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/-Q4eboiBNZMCDyN_MtvEMirnhJhvimbyoe2psbOSpEE/67xVsltQQnWsBa0AnIrT-w.webp?size=large)

## 11 comments

### Rachel commented on 2026-07-21

Try 70% alcohol. Spray it directly on the plant. Literally soak it. Keep it out of direct sunlight until it’s dry.

#### Marc M replied on 2026-07-21

Thanks! But wouldn’t that damage the roots? Did it help for you too?

#### Rachel replied on 2026-07-21

Don’t spray the soil directly. Only the foliage. It has helped me every time. You may need to spray more than once because those suckers can hide in all the crevices.

#### Marc M replied on 2026-07-21

Thanks! I’ll give it a go

#### Marc M replied on 2026-07-21

Forgot to ask, how long should I do this for?

#### Rachel replied on 2026-07-21

As long as it takes.

### Gaia commented on 2026-07-21

I’ve battled thrips twice. I have about 400 houseplants. What I’ve learned is to use Captain Jack’s Dead Bug spray on the plant and any plants that are in the same room. Then repeat that in 5-7 days.  
I also treat all new plants that I bring in by rinsing thoroughly, spraying with insecticidal soap and putting systemic granules in the soil. Then I quarantine them for 2-3 weeks before putting them where they will live.  
Alcohol is fine to spray on the foliage. It won’t hurt the plant and it will kill any live bugs but it won’t get to the eggs. Stay consistent and you will win the battle. good luck

#### Marc M replied on 2026-07-21

Thanks! But isn’t the spray for outdoor use only? Maybe there is a houseplant version I haven’t ran into yet? Just making sure I’m not putting my plant into a more stressed state

#### Gaia replied on 2026-07-21

No the Captain Jacks is for indoor plants as well. Ive used it on my entire collection and it didn’t harm any of them.

### SuccySuccy commented on 2026-07-21

These are incredibly picky and will die if you look at them wrong. It’s not your fault 🤍

### Nicolee commented on 2026-07-22

Try neem oil

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