What's eating my heart-leaf krohniana?

Heart-leaf Krohniana (Hoya krohniana) is a compact Hoya most commonly attacked by mealybugs and spider mites indoors. Its small, silvery-splashed leaves can mask early pest activity. Check leaf undersides and stem nodes at every watering. Aphids may appear on tender new growth. Good humidity reduces spider mite pressure significantly.

White fluffy wax in leaf axils, stem nodes, and root crowns; honeydew and sooty mould; slow or distorted growth Dab colonies with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil spray to all surfaces weekly until no new signs appear

Pale stippling or bronzing on leaf surfaces; webbing on undersides and between stems in dry conditions Raise humidity; shower the plant to knock off mites; treat with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil every 5–7 days

Soft-bodied insects on emerging leaf tips and flower buds; curled or distorted new leaves, sticky residue Spray off with water; use insecticidal soap solution, reapplying every few days until the colony is eliminated