What's eating my aglaonema firecracker?

Aglaonema Firecracker's bright red foliage can make early pest damage harder to spot. Mealybugs are the chief threat, hiding in the colourful leaf bases. Spider mites thrive in the dry, heated environments this warmth-loving plant prefers. Check every week — catching infestations early on this variety is especially important.

Powdery white clusters masked by the red colouring at stem joints; honeydew residue on lower leaves Dab each bug with a 70% isopropyl alcohol swab; spray weekly with diluted neem oil until the plant is clean for two successive checks

Pale speckling on the red upper leaf surface; fine webbing on undersides; leaves may fade or bronze Shower foliage to remove mites; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days; raise humidity above 50%

Tan or brown shell-like bumps on stems and petioles; yellowing and honeydew on lower leaves Scrape off scales with an alcohol-soaked toothbrush; follow with horticultural oil spray targeting crawlers