What's eating my achimenes?

Achimenes longiflora, a gesneriad grown from rhizomes as an indoor or patio flowering plant, is most threatened by spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Spider mites thrive in the warm dry conditions Achimenes prefers for dormancy transition. Keeping humidity adequate during active growth is the single most effective preventive step.

Fine pale stippling on soft leaves; webbing on undersides; plants look scorched in late summer heat Mist around (not directly on) foliage; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; keep plants away from heat sources

Colonies on new shoot tips and flower buds causing distortion; honeydew attracts ants and sooty mold Blast with water; apply insecticidal soap or dilute neem; prune heavily infested tips

White cottony wax in leaf axils and along stems; plant weakens and blooms poorly Treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs; spray neem oil; check rhizomes for pests before storing dormant tubers