What's eating my curio radicans?

String of Bananas attracts the same indoor pest suite as its close relative Curio rowleyanus. Mealybugs hide in the crooks of curved leaves, while spider mites thrive in low humidity. Aphids occasionally colonize soft new growth. Overwatered pots invite fungus gnat larvae to damage roots.

Fluffy white wax in leaf axils and stem joints; leaves yellow and curved tips dry out Apply isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab to each colony; follow with weekly neem oil spray for 3–4 weeks

Tiny webbing on the undersides of banana-shaped leaves; leaves develop pale, dusty streaks Rinse foliage with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days; improve air circulation

Clusters of small soft insects on new shoot tips; sticky honeydew and sooty mold follow Remove by hand or water spray; treat with insecticidal soap weekly until none remain

Root damage from larvae in overly moist soil; stunted growth and yellowing lower leaves Let soil dry between waterings; apply Bti drench; use yellow sticky traps for adult gnats