What's eating my alocasia heterophylla?

Alocasia heterophylla is a variable-leafed tropical aroid kept primarily as a houseplant. Spider mites are the most frequent problem, especially in centrally heated rooms with low humidity. Mealybugs and scale insects can also establish in petiole joints. Check both leaf surfaces monthly and maintain good airflow to reduce risk.

Pale stippling and loss of gloss on upper leaf surfaces; fine webbing underneath Shower the plant, increase humidity above 50%, and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days.

Cottony white deposits at petiole bases and in leaf axils; leaves yellow and drop prematurely Treat colonies with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab, then apply neem oil spray weekly for a month.

Small brown or tan shells on stems and leaf undersides; sticky honeydew below the colony Scrape off with a toothbrush, then apply horticultural oil every 10–14 days for two or three rounds.