What's eating my cordyline?

Cordyline grown indoors is most susceptible to spider mites, especially in low humidity. Outdoors, scale insects and mealybugs are common, and in the UK, the vine weevil is a serious threat — its larvae destroy roots undetected. Thrips can notch and streak the colourful leaves. Inspect roots when repotting and treat vine weevil preventively.

Bronze stippling and bleaching of leaves; fine webbing on undersides; worst in warm, dry rooms. Raise humidity; wipe leaves; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil and repeat every 7 days.

Adults notch leaf margins; larvae eat roots, causing sudden wilting and plant collapse. Apply nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer to early autumn; use vine weevil-resistant compost; inspect root ball when repotting.

Brown waxy bumps on stems and leaf bases; honeydew residue; weakened growth. Scrub with soapy water; treat with horticultural oil spray; repeat every 10–14 days.