What's eating my hoya fraterna?

Hoya fraterna is a robust species but remains vulnerable indoors to mealybugs, scale, and spider mites — all common hoya pests. Scale insects can be particularly persistent on thicker, woody stems. Check stem joints and leaf undersides every few weeks. Early treatment with alcohol and neem oil resolves most infestations before they escalate.

Cottony white residue at nodes and growing tips; honeydew deposits attract mould Remove manually with alcohol-dipped cotton swab; spray entire plant with neem oil solution weekly

Flat brown or tan bumps adhered to stems and mid-ribs; sooty mould on leaves below Scrub off with a soft brush and alcohol; apply horticultural oil spray to smother crawlers

Pale stippling and dusty appearance on leaves; webbing on undersides in low-humidity environments Increase humidity, rinse foliage, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil on a weekly schedule