What's eating my dischidia major?

Dischidia major (ant plant) has large inflated pouches that can harbour mealybugs deep inside where they are hard to reach. Scale insects cluster on exposed stems, and spider mites attack leaves in low humidity. Fungus gnats can also be a problem if the plant is grown in overly moist bark or moss mounts.

Fluffy white deposits inside or at the entrance to inflated pouches and at leaf nodes; plant slowly declines Use an alcohol-soaked cotton swab at pouch openings; apply systemic insecticide to the root zone; repeat weekly inspections for at least a month

Tan or brown shell-like bumps adhered to stems; honeydew dripping onto lower leaves Scrape off with a soft brush; treat with neem or horticultural oil; systemic insecticide for persistent infestations

Fine pale spotting on leaves; webbing across leaf surfaces and shoot tips in dry air Mist leaves regularly to raise humidity; spray neem oil solution; move away from heat sources

Larvae damage roots in waterlogged media; adults fly around the plant; roots may rot if persistent Allow mounting medium to dry between waterings; drench with Bti; use yellow sticky traps