What's eating my homalomena wallisii?

Homalomena wallisii is a shade-loving aroid houseplant most vulnerable to spider mites and mealybugs. Its dense, patterned foliage can conceal colonies until they are well established. Inspect the undersides of leaves and stem bases monthly, and treat at the first sign with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Pale stippling on leaf surfaces; silvery sheen or webbing on undersides; leaves may yellow and drop in severe cases Raise humidity; shower foliage regularly; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days for three to four consecutive treatments

White cottony fluff in leaf axils and at crown level near soil; leaves lose colour and vitality Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud; apply neem oil foliar spray weekly for 4 weeks; check roots if soil-level colonies appear

Adults hover around moist soil; larvae chew fine feeder roots, leading to wilting and slow growth Allow soil surface to dry adequately between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; drench soil with Bti solution to kill larvae