What's eating my empire scarlet star?

Empire Scarlet Star (Guzmania lingulata 'Empire') is a tank bromeliad most commonly affected by scale insects and mealybugs, which exploit the leaf rosette and central cup. Spider mites can also become a problem in dry indoor air. Fungus gnats may breed in the potting mix if kept too wet. Keep the central cup filled with fresh water to maintain humidity and flush pests.

Brown waxy bumps on the undersides of strap leaves and along the base of the rosette; yellowing and weakened growth. Swab scales with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; spray the entire plant with neem oil every two weeks. Empty and refresh the central cup.

White cottony masses in the leaf axils, central cup rim, and between tightly overlapping leaves; sticky honeydew. Remove manually with an alcohol swab, flush the cup with clean water, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly.

Pale silvery speckling on leaf surfaces; fine webbing in severe infestations; leaves lose their vivid colour. Mist the foliage to raise humidity, wipe leaves clean, then spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days.