What's eating my alcantarea odorata?

Alcantarea odorata is a large fragrant-flowered bromeliad grown indoors or in warm conservatories. Mealybugs and scale insects are its main threats, sheltering in the broad leaf axils and around the central tank. Spider mites may emerge in dry heated rooms. Regularly flushing the central cup and inspecting leaf bases during watering prevents most issues.

White fluffy wax deposits in leaf axils and along the tank walls; yellowing and soft tissue dieback Spray axils and cup interior with diluted neem oil; swab visible colonies with isopropyl alcohol; repeat fortnightly

Hard fixed bumps on leaf surfaces and stems; sooty mold develops on honeydew beneath the plant Manually remove with toothbrush and alcohol wipe; drench plant with neem oil; repeat every 2 weeks until clear

Fine stippling on broad leaf surfaces; delicate webbing visible at leaf tips in dry conditions Raise local humidity by misting or using a pebble tray; treat with insecticidal soap spray weekly