What's eating my hoya praetorii?

Hoya praetorii is a rare species but susceptible to the same pests as all cultivated hoyas. Mealybugs are the biggest indoor threat, hiding in stem joints and leaf axils. Spider mites attack when humidity is low. Fungus gnats can damage roots if the bark-based mix is kept too moist.

Fluffy white deposits at nodes and leaf bases; sticky honeydew on leaves; weakened, slow growth. Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; spray whole plant with neem oil weekly; quarantine from other collections.

Fine pale stippling on leaves; tiny webbing on undersides; leaves dull and eventually drop if untreated. Raise humidity; shower the plant to wash mites off; apply insecticidal soap every 5 days for 3 rounds.

Larvae feed on roots in overly moist growing medium; persistent adult gnat swarms near the pot. Allow the medium to dry between waterings; use Bti drench to eliminate larvae; sticky yellow traps for adults.