What's eating my cissus rotundifolia?

Cissus rotundifolia (Arabian wax cissus) is most threatened indoors by spider mites, which thrive in the warm, dry air it prefers. Mealybugs and scale insects occasionally settle in leaf axils. Catch infestations early — this vigorous climber recovers quickly with prompt treatment using neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves develop pale, stippled speckling and may yellow and drop. Raise humidity, wipe leaves with a damp cloth, then spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil every 5–7 days until clear.

White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew and sooty mould follow. Dab individual bugs with a 70% isopropyl alcohol-soaked cotton swab; follow with a neem oil spray every 10 days for 3–4 weeks.

Brown or tan shell-like bumps on stems and leaf veins; weakened growth and sticky residue. Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol; treat remaining crawlers with horticultural oil spray.