What's eating my magic star stromanthe?

Magic Star Stromanthe attracts spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Low humidity is the main trigger — spider mites thrive in dry indoor air and cause the most damage. Inspect leaf undersides regularly and maintain humidity above 50% to keep infestations at bay.

Fine webbing on leaf undersides; pale yellow stippling or bronzing across leaf surfaces, especially on variegated patches Raise humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until clear

White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew residue; leaves yellow and growth stalls Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray; repeat every 7 days for 3 weeks

Clusters of small soft insects on new shoots; distorted, curled young leaves; sticky honeydew attracting sooty mold Blast off with a strong stream of water; apply insecticidal soap spray; introduce predatory insects such as ladybirds if in a conservatory setting