What's eating my cryptanthus fosterianus?

Cryptanthus fosterianus, the pheasant leaf bromeliad, has broad, heavily marked leaves that can conceal mealybugs and scale insects between their overlapping bases. Spider mites may attack in low humidity. Its larger size means more hiding spots for pests, so wipe down the leaf surfaces and inspect the base every few weeks.

Cottony white masses at leaf bases and in the rosette cup; sticky honeydew and slow, stunted growth. Treat each colony with an isopropyl alcohol swab; follow up with a dilute neem or insecticidal soap spray weekly.

Brown bumps along the midrib and undersides of the large, patterned leaves; dulling of the decorative markings. Lift scales with a soft toothbrush or cloth dampened with alcohol; check the whole plant thoroughly before treating.

Fine silvery stippling and slight bronze discoloration of the leaf markings; webbing in extreme cases. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove mites; increase humidity and apply insecticidal soap spray if infestation persists.