What's eating my hemiboea subcapitata?

Hemiboea subcapitata is a shade-tolerant gesneriad grown mainly as a collectors' houseplant or in sheltered outdoor beds. Mealybugs are the most frequent threat, hiding in leaf axils. Aphids may attack soft new growth, and fungus gnats become problematic if the growing medium stays too wet.

Fluffy white wax deposits in leaf axils and stem bases; weakened growth; honeydew and sooty mold Swab with alcohol; drench soil with dilute neem; remove badly infested stems; avoid overwatering which favours spread

Small green or black insects on tender shoot tips; curled, distorted young leaves; sticky leaf surfaces Wash off with a strong water jet; treat with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin spray; check weekly

Larvae in soil feeding on fine roots; wilting and poor vigour despite adequate watering; adult gnats hovering near soil Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench; use yellow sticky traps for adults