What's eating my kohleria 'hannah roberts'?

Kohleria 'Hannah Roberts' is an indoor tuberous Gesneriaceae with velvety leaves and vivid tubular flowers. Spider mites are its primary threat in the dry warmth of most homes. Thrips target its flowers and soft new growth. Mealybugs can establish in the hairy leaf axils. Good humidity and regular inspection are key preventive measures.

Bronze stippling across leaf surfaces; webbing visible under leaves and between stems; plants in heated rooms or near radiators are most at risk. Move plants away from heat sources. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, covering undersides thoroughly. Repeat weekly. Misting or a pebble humidity tray helps deter re-infestation.

Silvery scars on petals and leaf faces; tiny black droppings on undersides; flowers may brown, distort, or drop before fully opening. Remove and destroy affected flowers. Apply spinosad or insecticidal soap on a weekly schedule. Sticky blue traps near the plant catch flying adult thrips.

Cottony white deposits in hairy leaf axils and at stem nodes; honeydew and sooty mould on lower foliage; reduced vigour and flowering. Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs, then follow with a neem oil spray cycle every 7–10 days for three to four weeks. Quarantine affected plants from the rest of the collection.