What's eating my nematanthus 'cheerio'?

Nematanthus 'Cheerio' (goldfish plant) is most troubled by spider mites and mealybugs. Its waxy, succulent-like leaves resist many pests, but dry indoor air creates ideal spider mite conditions. Mealybugs target the joints where leaves attach to stems. Check plants weekly, especially during heated winter months when humidity drops.

Fine yellow stippling across leaf surfaces; webbing on undersides and between leaves; leaves look dull and may drop if untreated. Boost humidity around the plant. Spray all leaf surfaces — especially undersides — with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly. Wipe individual leaves with a damp cloth to physically remove mites and eggs.

Waxy white cottony deposits at stem nodes and in leaf axils; sticky, shiny honeydew on leaves below the colonies. Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol on a swab. Follow up with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray over the whole plant. Repeat every 7–10 days for three to four weeks.

Clusters of soft insects on new growth and flower buds; buds may fail to open; sticky residue on stems and leaves. Remove by hand or with a damp cloth. Apply insecticidal soap spray on a 5–7 day cycle until infestation clears. Avoid over-fertilising with nitrogen, which produces the lush soft growth aphids prefer.