What's eating my ardisia elliptica?

Ardisia elliptica (Shoebutton Ardisia) grown as a houseplant is most commonly bothered by scale insects and mealybugs on its leathery stems and leaf undersides. Spider mites occur in dry indoor air. This species' dense clusters of small berries create hidden refuges where pests establish unnoticed, so inspect thoroughly.

Hard or soft shell-like bumps on stems and leaf undersides; leaves yellow, become sticky with honeydew, and sooty mold follows. Scrape off physically; apply horticultural oil or neem oil thoroughly, reaching leaf undersides and stem junctions; repeat every 3–4 weeks.

Fluffy white waxy clusters nestled at stem nodes, leaf axils, and among fruit clusters; causes wilting, yellowing, and sticky residue. Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; follow with repeated insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays at 7-day intervals.

Stippled, faded upper leaf surfaces and fine webbing on undersides; leaves eventually drop in severe infestations. Increase humidity; rinse foliage under water; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray and repeat every 5–7 days for 3 treatments.