What's eating my guzmania conifera?

Guzmania conifera is a robust bromeliad that occasionally attracts scale insects and mealybugs when grown indoors. Its dense cone-like inflorescence can harbour pests at the bract bases. Regular inspection and wiping of the leathery leaves with a damp cloth is the simplest and most effective preventive measure.

Small brown or tan raised bumps on leaf midribs and bract surfaces; honeydew leads to black sooty mould. Manually remove with a damp cloth or soft brush; treat with horticultural oil spray; repeat every two weeks until gone.

Cottony white deposits at bract bases and leaf axils; sticky leaf surfaces and slowed growth. Dab colonies with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; follow with weekly neem oil applications for three to four weeks.

Tiny black flies near the soil surface; larvae feed on roots and decomposing organic matter, weakening the plant. Allow the potting medium to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; top-dress with a layer of grit to deter egg-laying.