What's eating my cryptanthus 'pink starlight'?

Cryptanthus 'Pink Starlight' is most threatened by mealybugs and scale insects, which hide in the tight leaf rosettes. Spider mites can attack in hot, dry indoor conditions. Inspect the leaf bases regularly — these bromeliads' overlapping leaves make pests easy to miss until populations are large.

White cottony fluff lodged between leaf bases; sticky honeydew residue; leaves yellow and lose colour Dab with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; treat repeatedly every 7–10 days; apply neem oil drench to the rosette

Brown or tan waxy bumps on leaf undersides and along leaf margins; plant weakens and growth stalls Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; wipe with rubbing alcohol; follow up with insecticidal soap spray

Fine webbing across leaves; pale stippling on upper leaf surface; leaves dull and lose pink variegation Increase humidity; wash foliage with water; apply insecticidal soap or a miticide spray; repeat weekly for 3 weeks