What's eating my goeppertia pluriplicata?

Goeppertia pluriplicata (a prayer plant relative) is most often attacked by spider mites, which thrive when humidity drops below 50%. Mealybugs and scale also target the stems. The patterned leaves show damage quickly. Keep humidity high and inspect the undersides of leaves weekly to catch infestations before they spread.

Fine stippling and pale bleaching on leaf surfaces; webbing on undersides; leaves may curl and yellow. Boost humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days for 3 weeks.

Waxy white tufts at leaf axils and stem joints; affected growth yellows and becomes distorted. Spot-treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; follow with neem oil spray and repeat weekly until clear.

Hard brown or soft tan bumps on stems; honeydew leads to sooty mold and weakened new growth. Remove physically with a soft brush, then apply horticultural oil or neem oil spray; repeat after 14 days.