What's eating my ardisia crenata?

Ardisia crenata (Coral Berry) grown indoors is most threatened by scale insects, which colonize its woody stems and underside of glossy leaves. Mealybugs and spider mites also attack. Outdoors in warm climates it is targeted by the Ardisia scale (Fiorinia ardisiae) specifically. Check stems around berry clusters, where pests hide easily.

Brown or tan shell-like bumps fixed to stems and leaf undersides; sap loss causes yellowing, leaf drop, and sooty mold from honeydew. Scrape off with a soft brush dipped in soapy water; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil spray covering all surfaces; repeat monthly.

White cottony masses at leaf axils and among berries; honeydew drips onto lower leaves and promotes mold growth. Swab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; spray the whole plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly for 3–4 weeks.

Fine pale stippling on upper leaf surfaces, leaf edges may curl and brown; fine webbing under leaves in dry conditions. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth, increase humidity, then spray with insecticidal soap or dilute neem oil every 5–7 days.