What's eating my episcia reptans?

Episcia reptans, grown indoors for its velvety patterned leaves and red flowers, is most commonly hit by mealybugs tucked into its dense stolons and leaf axils. Spider mites thrive if humidity drops. Fungus gnats breed in moist soil. Aphids occasionally target soft new growth. Good airflow and consistent moisture management prevent most outbreaks.

White cottony masses in leaf axils and along stolons; leaves yellow and drop; plant loses vigour Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; repeat weekly; if heavy, apply neem oil spray to all surfaces including runners

Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; foliage develops pale silvery stippling and looks dull Increase humidity around the plant; rinse foliage with water; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap, repeating every 5–7 days for three rounds

Tiny dark flies hovering near soil; larvae in the growing medium damage fine roots, causing wilting and slow growth Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps for adults; drench soil with a Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) solution to kill larvae