What's eating my hoya 'krimson princess'?

Hoya 'Krimson Princess' shares the same pest vulnerabilities as other Hoya carnosa cultivars. Mealybugs are the most common and persistent problem, hiding in dense leaf clusters. Spider mites attack in dry air, scale colonizes woody stems, and aphids target the soft variegated new growth that defines this cultivar.

White fluffy wax at leaf axils, nodes, and on stem joints; honeydew leading to black sooty mold Swab infested spots with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with a neem oil spray; repeat weekly until no signs remain

Tiny yellow speckles across leaf surfaces; visible fine webbing; leaves may desiccate and drop in severe cases Raise humidity with misting or a tray of pebbles and water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly

Hard or soft waxy bumps on stems; yellowing foliage and sticky deposits below affected stems Scrape off physically, then apply alcohol or horticultural oil; inspect monthly as scales spread slowly but steadily

Clusters of small green or brown insects on new, variegated shoot tips; curled or puckered new leaves Wash off with lukewarm water; apply insecticidal soap; check new growth weekly during the active growing season