What's eating my amaryllis 'apple blossom'?

Hippeastrum 'Apple Blossom' is an indoor bulb susceptible to mealybugs and bulb-fly larvae. The large bulb scales are a favourite hiding place for mealybugs, which weaken the plant before bloom. Bulb rot from overwatering is more common than pest attack, but spider mites occur in dry heated homes.

Fluffy white residue between bulb scales and at stem base; leaves yellow; flower stem may be distorted Remove with alcohol swab; spray plant and bulb neck with diluted neem oil; repeat fortnightly; quarantine from other bulbs

Single fat grub hollows out the bulb; plant either fails to sprout or wilts mid-season Squeeze bulbs at purchase — reject any with give; keep under fine mesh if summered outdoors; destroy infested bulbs

Tiny pale spots on leaves; dusty webbing; leaves may brown at tips in very dry conditions Raise ambient humidity; wipe leaves clean; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days