What's eating my columnea 'aladdin's lamp'?

Columnea 'Aladdin's Lamp' is a compact indoor hybrid goldfish plant susceptible to spider mites in the dry conditions of centrally heated homes. Mealybugs hide in stem joints. Aphids hit new growth. Whitefly can establish in poor airflow. Maintaining humidity above 50% and ensuring good air circulation around the trailing stems prevents most infestations.

Tiny pale dots on leaf surfaces and fine webbing at shoot tips; leaves look dull and bleached; worst in heated winter rooms Boost humidity with a pebble-and-water tray; wash foliage; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days for at least three rounds

Cottony white fluff tucked into stem nodes and leaf axils; affected growth yellows and stalls Remove with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab; treat with neem oil spray weekly until clear

Small insects massed on tender new shoots; leaves curl; honeydew creates sticky deposits Wash off with a gentle rinse; apply insecticidal soap to growing tips; repeat weekly