What's eating my alocasia cuprea (red secret)?

Alocasia cuprea 'Red Secret' is most heavily targeted by spider mites — the thick, metallic leaves create ideal dry micro-climates on their undersides. Mealybugs shelter at the base of petioles, and scale can appear on mature stems. High humidity is both a cultural requirement and the best spider mite deterrent for this species.

Pale stippling or bronzing across the iridescent leaf surface; webbing on the undersides; leaves lose their metallic sheen Mist foliage or use a humidifier; wipe leaf undersides with a damp cloth; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days; repeat for 3 weeks

White cottony deposits where petioles meet the corm and in any leaf sheath folds; stunted growth and yellowing Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a swab to each colony; follow with a neem oil drench at the soil level and foliar spray

Small brown waxy bumps on petioles and stems; honeydew leading to sooty mould; overall plant decline Scrape off manually, then wipe with alcohol-soaked cloth; apply horticultural oil; check fortnightly