What's eating my billbergia zebrina?

Billbergia zebrina, with its silver-banded, tubular leaves, is most commonly troubled by scale insects that shelter inside the deep, narrow leaf tube. Mealybugs are a close second, and spider mites can appear in dry winter rooms. The tubular form makes access difficult, so act quickly at first signs to prevent deep-seated infestations.

Small brown bumps fixed on leaves inside and outside the tube; leaves yellow and look drained of vigor. Reach inside with a thin brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol; flush the tube with soapy water and allow to drain fully.

White waxy deposits inside the leaf tube and at the base; sticky honeydew sometimes visible at the tube opening. Use a cotton swab on a stick or thin implement dipped in alcohol; follow with a dilute insecticidal soap spray.

Fine stippling and pale streaks on the silver-banded leaf surfaces; webbing inside the tube in severe cases. Raise humidity; carefully flush the tube and exterior of the plant with water; apply insecticidal soap spray weekly.