What's eating my jelly peperomia?

Jelly Peperomia's thick, colorful leaves are largely unappealing to pests, but the plant is still susceptible to common houseplant insects. Mealybugs are the most frequent offender. Scale can also settle on stems. Overwatered plants attract fungus gnats. Good air circulation and correct watering prevent most problems.

Cottony white wax on stems and leaf undersides; sticky honeydew; stunted new growth Isolate the plant immediately; remove visible bugs with an alcohol-dipped swab; spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7–10 days

Brown or tan oval bumps on stems; leaves yellow; plant appears generally weak Scrape off scale with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil or 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cloth; repeat in 2 weeks

Tiny flies around soil; larvae damage fine roots; young plants wilt or fail to thrive Allow soil to dry between waterings; apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) as a soil drench; use sticky yellow traps