What's eating my hoya rosita?

Hoya rosita is a compact hybrid hoya susceptible to the same sap-sucking pests as other hoyas indoors. Mealybugs are the primary threat, hiding in the dense leaf axils. Spider mites flare up in low humidity. Regular inspection of stems and undersides of the thick leaves keeps infestations manageable.

Fluffy white wax at nodes and leaf joints; sticky honeydew, sooty mould, and stunted new growth. Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud; follow with repeated neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays every 7 days.

Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves lose lustre and may drop if infestation is severe. Mist foliage to raise humidity, wipe leaves clean, and spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil weekly.

Hard or soft shell-like bumps on stems; yellowing leaves and weakened stems as the plant loses sap. Physically remove scales with a soft brush dipped in alcohol, then apply horticultural oil every two weeks.