What's eating my brillantaisia subulugurica?

Brillantaisia subulugurica, a tropical African native grown as an ornamental, is susceptible to the same sap-sucking pests as most Acanthaceae tropicals. Spider mites are the biggest indoor threat. Mealybugs and aphids attack soft growth. Outdoors in warm climates, whiteflies and scale may also appear. Good humidity and regular inspection are the key defenses.

Pale, speckled leaves losing luster; fine webbing underneath leaf surfaces in warm, dry environments Increase humidity, rinse foliage, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days

Cottony white masses in leaf axils and at stem joints; honeydew deposits and stunted growth Dab with isopropyl alcohol, spray with neem oil; recheck and retreat weekly until eradicated

Clusters on tender shoot tips; leaves curl and yellow; ants are often present near colonies Knock off with water spray or apply insecticidal soap every 4–5 days; neem oil is also effective