What's eating my bird of paradise?

Bird of paradise grown outdoors is bothered by scale insects, mealybugs, and — in gardens — by snails that shred the large paddles. Indoors, spider mites and scale are the primary threats. The leathery leaves resist most pests well, but scale can build up unnoticed on stems.

Brown or waxy bumps fixed to stems and leaf midribs; yellowing leaves and sticky honeydew beneath the plant Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in dilute rubbing alcohol; treat with horticultural oil or systemic neonicotinoid for heavy infestations; repeat every 2 weeks

White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along stems; leaves yellow and growth stalls Dab colonies with a cotton swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap; isolate plant from others

Fine silvery stippling on leaves, webbing under foliage; plants look dusty and dull in hot, dry conditions Raise humidity; spray with water to knock off mites; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis