What's eating my ananas bracteatus 'tricolor'?

Ananas bracteatus 'Tricolor' (tricolor red pineapple) is a variegated tropical bromeliad primarily grown indoors. Mealybugs are the main threat, hiding in the densely packed, cream-and-green striped leaf axils. Scale insects may also appear. The variegated form's softer leaf edges compared to the species make inspection slightly easier — check axils monthly.

White cottony deposits in leaf axils and at the crown base; yellowing new leaves, stunted growth Swab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; soak axils and crown with diluted neem oil; repeat every 10–14 days for 4–6 weeks

Small brownish lumps on leaves; honeydew makes surfaces sticky and promotes fungal growth Manually remove with a soft brush, wipe with alcohol, spray with neem oil; isolate plant during treatment

Pale stippling and subtle webbing on leaves, especially in dry indoor winter conditions Raise humidity, wipe leaves with damp cloth, treat with insecticidal soap spray every 7 days