What's eating my acorus gramineus 'variegatus'?

Variegated sweet flag as a houseplant faces the same pest profile as the species. Spider mites are the top threat, exploiting dry indoor air. Mealybugs target the leaf-base crevices, and fungus gnats exploit the consistently moist compost. The variegated foliage makes pest damage more visually obvious — inspect regularly.

Pale stippling and fine webbing on the grass-like leaves; damage is especially visible on the cream-striped variegated portions Increase humidity with regular misting or a pebble tray; neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly until clear

White waxy cottony clusters deep in leaf-base crevices; slow growth and sticky honeydew residue Remove with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; treat with insecticidal soap spray and isolate the plant

Root-feeding larvae in persistently wet compost; adult gnats indicate overwatering and poor soil health Allow the surface compost to dry between waterings; use Bti larval drench and yellow sticky traps