What's eating my bahian earth star?

Bahian Earth Star, a compact ground-hugging bromeliad from Brazil, is most vulnerable to spider mites due to its flat rosette and preference for warmth. Mealybugs also target the dense leaf overlaps. Fungus gnats can be a problem if the terrestrial potting mix stays too wet. Good humidity deters most pests.

Pale stippling and light speckling across the flat leaves; webbing visible in dry-air outbreaks Raise ambient humidity, wipe leaves with a damp cloth, and apply insecticidal soap spray weekly for a month

White waxy clusters at leaf bases and between tightly overlapping leaves; stunted growth Remove with alcohol-soaked swabs and isolate the plant; apply dilute neem oil to the soil as a drench

Root damage from larvae in overly moist terrestrial potting mix; adult gnats fly near the soil surface Allow the top layer of mix to dry before watering; apply Bti-based biological control for persistent larvae