What's eating my hoya wayetii?

Hoya wayetii, like most hoyas, is most frequently troubled by mealybugs sheltering in its tight leaf pairs and along stems. Aphids and spider mites also attack, particularly in low humidity or when the plant is stressed. Check stems and the undersides of leaves every 2 weeks to catch problems early.

Fluffy white wax deposits in stem joints and at the base of leaves; honeydew buildup; leaves may yellow and drop if infestation is heavy. Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab. Follow with a neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 7 days for 3–4 applications. Quarantine the affected plant.

Pale, stippled or silvery speckling on leaf surfaces; fine webbing visible between leaves and stems in dry conditions. Shower the plant to dislodge mites, then apply neem oil or a dilute insecticidal soap solution to both leaf surfaces. Increase ambient humidity to deter re-infestation.

Soft-bodied green or black insects clustered on new growth; distorted or cupped young leaves; sticky honeydew residue. Knock off with a strong water spray. Use insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil applied weekly until the infestation clears. Introduce ladybugs if the plant is in a conservatory.