What's eating my hindu rope plant?

Hindu Rope Plant (Hoya carnosa 'Compacta') is highly susceptible to mealybugs, which colonize the tightly curled, almost impenetrable leaves where they are very difficult to reach. Root mealybugs are also a frequent problem. Spider mites and scale occur less often. The contorted foliage is this plant's biggest pest-management challenge.

White fluffy wax deep inside the curled leaf clusters; honeydew oozes from the plant; leaves yellow and the plant declines slowly. Repeatedly drench folded leaves with 70% isopropyl alcohol solution or insecticidal soap spray; use a fine brush to work product into curls; repeat every 7 days for 4+ weeks — persistence is essential.

White powdery coating on roots seen at repotting; plant wilts or stalls despite adequate watering; white fluff at drainage holes. Unpot completely; wash all soil off roots under running water; soak roots briefly in neem oil solution; repot in fresh well-draining mix and drench with neem or a systemic insecticide.

Flat or domed brown shells on stems and flat leaf surfaces; honeydew and sooty mold; weakened stems. Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in alcohol; spray with horticultural oil; the curled foliage makes scale inside the curls harder to reach — use a cotton bud for accuracy.