What's eating my nautilocalyx lynchii?

Nautilocalyx lynchii is a velvety-leaved tropical gesneriad from South America, kept indoors. Mealybugs are the top threat, hiding under the hairy leaves. Spider mites can colonize stressed plants in dry air. The fuzzy leaf texture makes spotting pests harder, so inspect the undersides and stem junctions closely and often.

White waxy clusters beneath the hairy leaves and at stem joints; plant growth slows and leaves yellow. Carefully part the foliage and dab colonies with an alcohol swab; apply neem oil spray weekly for four weeks.

Stippled, dull leaf surfaces with fine webbing; worse in low humidity; velvety leaf texture can conceal early damage. Gently rinse leaves; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; maintain 50–60% relative humidity to discourage mites.

Larvae damage roots in wet, organically rich potting mix; adults fly up when soil is disturbed. Water less frequently; apply Bti drench; set yellow sticky traps to monitor and reduce adult populations.