What's eating my cyperus alternifolius?

Umbrella sedge (Cyperus alternifolius) kept indoors is most often troubled by spider mites, which thrive when air is warm and dry. Mealybugs colonise stem bases and ray junctions, scale insects appear on older stems, and fungus gnats breed in wet compost. Aphids occasionally attack tender new growth.

Tiny pale stippling on leaves and fine webbing between ray bracts; plant looks dusty and bleached in severe cases Increase humidity by grouping plants or using a pebble tray. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly for 3 weeks; ensure good coverage under leaves.

Fluffy white wax masses at stem joints and leaf bases; sticky honeydew and blackened sooty mould Isolate the plant. Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab. Follow up with insecticidal soap spray every 10 days until clear.

Hard or waxy brown bumps on stems; yellowing leaves and sticky surfaces beneath affected areas Scrape off manually with a fingernail or soft brush; apply horticultural oil or neem oil to coat remaining scale crawlers.

Adults are a nuisance; larvae feed on fine roots in wet compost, causing yellowing and stunted growth Allow the surface of the compost to dry slightly between waterings (this plant tolerates wet feet but the top layer can dry). Apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench or use sticky yellow traps for adults.