What's eating my hoya deykeae?

Hoya deykeae is susceptible to the same indoor pests as other hoyas. Mealybugs are the most frequent problem, hiding in leaf axils and along vines. Spider mites strike when air is dry. Fungus gnats can establish if the growing medium stays too wet between waterings.

Waxy white fluff in stem joints and leaf undersides; honeydew deposits; weakened, slow-growing shoots. Isolate the plant; treat colonies with rubbing alcohol on a swab; follow up with weekly neem oil spray for a month.

Tiny pale flecks across leaf surfaces; fine webbing on the undersides; leaves become dull and eventually drop. Increase humidity; rinse foliage under a gentle shower; spray with insecticidal soap every 5–7 days until clear.

Brown or tan waxy bumps fixed to stems and leaves; yellowing foliage; sticky honeydew promoting black sooty mould. Scrape off individual scales with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil or systemic insecticide if infestation is heavy.

Larvae chew fine roots in overly moist compost; adults swarm around the pot; persistent wetness invites root rot too. Water less frequently; top-dress with a layer of coarse sand or grit; apply Bti drench to kill larvae in the compost.