What's eating my chamaeranthemum gaudichaudii?

Chamaeranthemum gaudichaudii is a low-growing tropical Acanthaceae houseplant grown for its ornate patterned leaves. As an indoor tropical, it is most susceptible to mealybugs in its leaf axils and to spider mites when humidity is inadequate. Fungus gnats can trouble plants kept in consistently moist potting mix. Good humidity and regular inspection keep this plant healthy.

White cottony masses at leaf joints and along stems; weakened, yellowing growth and sticky honeydew residue. Remove with a rubbing-alcohol swab; treat the whole plant with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat in 10 days.

Pale, speckled stippling across decorative leaves and fine webbing on undersides — worst in low-humidity conditions. Raise humidity to 60%+ with a pebble tray or humidifier; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap and repeat weekly.

Larvae feed on fine roots in damp potting mix, causing wilting; adult gnats swarm around the soil surface. Let the top 1–2 cm of substrate dry between waterings; apply a Bti drench; use yellow sticky traps to capture adults.