What's eating my hoya greenii?

Hoya greenii, a compact species with thick leaves, is most at risk from mealybugs and scale insects, which exploit the dense growth habit. Spider mites can be a secondary problem in heated indoor spaces with low humidity. The thick leaves make damage less immediately obvious, so inspect nodes and undersides carefully each month.

White cottony clusters tucked into stem joints and leaf axils; honeydew and weak growth Use alcohol-soaked cotton swabs to remove colonies; apply neem oil spray to the whole plant weekly

Waxy brown bumps on stems; sooty mould grows on honeydew secretions below Remove physically with a brush and alcohol; apply horticultural oil and repeat after 10 days

Very fine stippling on leaf surfaces; webbing on undersides in dry, warm conditions Improve humidity, wipe leaves, and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil on a weekly basis