What's eating my columnea microphylla?

Columnea microphylla is primarily threatened indoors by mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Mealybugs are the most common culprit, hiding in the leaf axils and stem joints of its trailing stems. Inspect new growth and undersides of the tiny leaves regularly, and isolate new plants before introducing them to your collection.

White cottony clusters in leaf axils, stem joints, and where leaves meet stems; sticky honeydew leads to sooty mould; weakened, stunted growth. Dab individual colonies with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. For heavier infestations, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, thoroughly coating all stem joints. Repeat every 7–10 days for at least three cycles.

Fine stippling and bronzing on the tiny leaves; very fine webbing visible on undersides under magnification; leaves may drop in severe cases. Raise humidity around the plant — mites thrive in dry air. Spray undersides of foliage with insecticidal soap or a diluted neem oil solution weekly. Severely infested stems can be pruned out and discarded.

Soft-bodied insects clustered on new shoot tips and buds; distorted, curled new growth; sticky honeydew deposits. Knock off with a strong stream of water or wipe away with a damp cloth. Apply insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days until clear. Introduce Aphidius wasps if the problem recurs indoors.