What's eating my hoya mappigera?

Hoya mappigera is a thick-leaved hoya that shares the family's typical indoor pest vulnerabilities. Mealybugs are the primary threat, sheltering in leaf axils. Spider mites can colonise the undersides of leaves in low-humidity rooms. Aphids occasionally attack soft new growth. Routine inspection keeps infestations in check.

White woolly patches in leaf axils and along stems; honeydew and sooty mould on lower leaves; reduced vigour. Dab colonies with alcohol swabs; apply neem oil spray weekly for 4 weeks; isolate the plant from other hoyas.

Pale stippling across leaf surfaces; webbing on undersides; leaves may yellow and shrivel under heavy attack. Increase air humidity around the plant; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap every 5–7 days.

Clusters of small soft insects on new shoots; curled, distorted young leaves; sticky honeydew residue. Spray with water to dislodge; follow with insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested shoot tips if needed.