What's eating my bertolonia maculata?

Bertolonia maculata (jewel plant) is a delicate, humidity-loving tropical grown in terrariums or warm greenhouses. Its moist environment discourages spider mites but favours fungus gnats in damp substrate. Mealybugs are the most common insect threat, hiding in the tight leaf axils of this low-growing plant. Good air flow prevents botrytis on spent flowers.

White waxy cottony masses tucked into leaf joints and along stems; sap feeding causes pale, weakened new growth. Dab with a rubbing-alcohol swab; apply diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap, taking care not to wet the velvety leaves excessively.

Adult flies hover around the soil surface; larvae chew fine roots in constantly moist peaty mix, leading to poor vigour. Allow the medium's surface to dry slightly; apply a Bti-based drench; use yellow sticky traps to catch adults.