What's eating my chinese dunce cap?

Chinese Dunce Cap is generally a low-pest houseplant, but mealybugs, spider mites, and scale can move in — especially on plants kept in warm, dry indoor conditions. Mealybugs are the most likely offender, hiding in the tight rosette leaves. Inspect the base of the cone rosette carefully; early treatment with isopropyl alcohol clears most outbreaks quickly.

White waxy fluff tucked into leaf folds and stem bases; sap loss leads to shriveled or discoloured leaves Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol directly with a cotton swab; follow with a light spray of insecticidal soap; isolate the plant immediately to prevent spread

Fine webbing between leaves, tiny rust-coloured speckling on leaf surfaces; damage worsens in hot, dry indoor air Increase humidity, rinse foliage with water; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days for three treatments

Hard brown bumps attached to stems or leaf undersides; sticky honeydew may coat lower leaves Scrape off with a soft toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; follow with neem oil spray; repeat for several weeks