What's eating my ceropegia woodii f. variegata?

Variegated string of hearts is most commonly attacked by mealybugs hiding where leaves meet stems, and aphids on new growth. Spider mites can appear in dry indoor air. The succulent-like tubers can also attract fungus gnats if the soil stays too moist. Mealybugs are the number-one pest to watch for.

White cottony clusters at leaf axils and on stems; sticky honeydew; wilting and leaf drop in severe cases Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 7–10 days until clear

Clusters of small soft insects on shoot tips; distorted new growth; sticky residue Rinse under lukewarm water; spray with insecticidal soap; introduce predatory insects in a conservatory setting

Fine speckling and pale stippling on leaf surfaces; delicate webbing in dry conditions Raise humidity; spray with neem oil or a miticide; isolate plant to prevent spread to neighbours

Larvae in soil damage fine roots; adults are a nuisance; overwatered plants most affected Allow soil to dry thoroughly between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench; use yellow sticky traps for adults