What's eating my aphelandra tetragona?

Aphelandra tetragona is a tropical Acanthaceae relative of the zebra plant. Like its kin, it attracts spider mites in warm, dry interiors, and mealybugs at leaf axils and stem nodes. Scale insects can encrust older woody stems. Early detection and consistent humidity management are critical to preventing rapid spread.

Bronze or yellow stippling across large leaves; silk webbing on undersides; severe infestations cause leaf drop Boost humidity to above 50%; shower foliage; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days for at least 3 weeks

White fluffy colonies in leaf axils and nodes; honeydew and sooty mould follow quickly on this large-leaved plant Spot-treat with alcohol swabs; spray all surfaces with insecticidal soap; repeat weekly and check roots for root mealybugs

Flat or domed brown bumps on stems and main leaf veins; persistent sap-sucking causes slow decline and yellowing Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; apply horticultural oil spray to smother remaining crawlers; repeat every 10–14 days