What's eating my dischidia platyphylla?

Dischidia platyphylla, grown as a tropical houseplant, is most troubled by mealybugs, which colonise stem joints and under the broad flat leaves. Scale and spider mites are secondary threats, especially in heated indoor spaces with low humidity. Root mealybugs can also attack if the plant sits in moisture-retentive media too long.

White woolly clusters beneath leaves and at stem nodes; honeydew and sooty mold; growth stunted Wipe with isopropyl alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate plant; check root zone for root mealybugs

Hard or soft bumps on stems; sticky deposits; yellowing of adjacent leaves Remove mechanically with a toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil; repeat fortnightly for 6–8 weeks

Pale stippling on leaf surfaces; fine webbing on undersides; leaves may bronze and drop Increase humidity; spray with neem oil or miticide; keep away from dry heating vents